Madeleine Albright Quotes on Democracy, Feminism & Leadership
Madeleine Albright (1937 – 2022) was a prominent American diplomat and politician who served as the first female United States Secretary of State from 1997 to 2001 under President Bill Clinton.
Born in Czechoslovakia in 1937, Albright and her family fled to the United States to escape Nazi persecution during World War II. Albright’s experience as an immigrant and her distinguished career in foreign policy and international relations made her a respected voice on issues related to democracy, human rights, and global cooperation.
Albright’s quotes are particularly noteworthy because they reflect her deep understanding of the complex challenges facing the world, as well as her commitment to promoting democratic values and peaceful diplomacy.
Whether discussing the need for women’s empowerment or the importance of international cooperation, Albright’s words offer insight and inspiration to those seeking to create positive change in their communities and the world at large. The following are just some of Madeleine Albright’s most famous quotes.
Madeleine Albright Quotes
It took me quite a long time to develop a voice, and now that I have it, I am not going to be silent. Madeleine Albright
While democracy in the long run is the most stable form of government, in the short run, it is among the most fragile. Madeleine Albright
I do believe that in order to be a successful negotiator that as a diplomat, you have to be able to put yourself into the other person’s shoes. Unless you can understand what is motivating them, you are never going to be able to figure out how to solve a particular problem. Madeleine Albright
One of the issues I kept saying to my students is you have to learn to interrupt. When you raise your hand at a meeting, by the time they get to you, the point is not germane. So the bottom line is active listening. If you are going to interrupt, you look for opportunities. You have to know what you’re talking about. Madeleine Albright
A lot of people think international relations is like a game of chess. But it’s not a game of chess, where people sit quietly, thinking out their strategy, taking their time between moves. It’s more like a game of billiards, with a bunch of balls clustered together. Madeleine Albright
We will not be intimidated or pushed off the world stage by people who do not like what we stand for, and that is, freedom, democracy and the fight against disease, poverty and terrorism. Madeleine Albright
The best book, like the best speech, will do it all – make us laugh, think, cry and cheer – preferably in that order. Madeleine Albright
So people are talking about revolution. What a revolution it would be to have a woman president. Madeleine Albright
It’s one thing to be religious, but it’s another thing to make religion your policy. Madeleine Albright
I am a beneficiary of the American people’s generosity, and I hope we can have comprehensive immigration legislation that allows this country to continue to be enriched by those who were not born here. Madeleine Albright
Hate, emotionalism, and frustration are not policies. Madeleine Albright
No matter what message you are about to deliver somewhere, whether it is holding out a hand of friendship, or making clear that you disapprove of something, is the fact that the person sitting across the table is a human being, so the goal is to always establish common ground. Madeleine Albright
If you look at my life, generally, I’ve been put in situations which were difficult and which I conquered. Madeleine Albright
I think that the most important thing is to maintain a sense of humor and a sense of perspective. Madeleine Albright
In the world of diplomacy, some things are better left unsaid. Madeleine Albright
We have a responsibility to be the voice of the voiceless. Madeleine Albright
Madeleine Albright Quotes on Feminism
Women can’t do everything at the same time, we need to understand milestones in our lives comes in segments. Madeleine Albright
And just remember – there’s a special place in hell for women who don’t help each other. Madeleine Albright
Women have to be active listeners and interrupters – but when you interrupt, you have to know what you are talking about. Madeleine Albright
For more inspirational quotes, check out:
