"My father respected and admired my mother and was a person who was always standing by my side, encouraging me to do more and believed in my capacity. So in that sense, my own experience was very good in becoming an empowered woman. From early on, I carried that strong message: 'You can do it.' So I never had any doubt that women can do a lot."

"You have to be doing things that matter - responsibility, but also responsibility with epic and beautiful and noble tasks."

"For me, a better democracy is a democracy where women do not only have the right to vote and to elect but to be elected."

"Given political history in Chile, it seemed to me that there was a critical task of consolidating a democracy and creating healthy civic-military and political-military relationships."

"The essence of creativity is the belief that the true master is an eternal student."

"To speak the truth in a season of deceit is an act of supreme bravery — an essential principle for the reflective life."

"My own dreams fortunately came true in this great state. I became Mr. Universe; I became a successful businessman. And even though some people say I still speak with a slight accent, I have reached the top of the acting profession."

"A mindful spirit recognizes that the most profound truths are found in silence."