The most important thing Paris gave me was a perspective on Latin America. It taught me the differences between Latin America and Europe and among the Latin American countries themselves through the Latins I met there.

No, not rich. I am a poor man with money, which is not the same thing.

Fame is very agreeable, but the bad thing is that it goes on 24 hours a day.

I must try and break through the cliches about Latin America. Superpowers and other outsiders have fought over us for centuries in ways that have nothing to do with our problems. In reality we are all alone.

Studies demonstrate that as gaps are being closed between men and women - in access to education, in health, even in economic participation - the most difficult gap to close is in political participation. Somehow that sharing of raw power, political power, remains very illusive.

The direction in which education starts a man will determine his future in life.

Despotism is the only form of government which may with safety to itself, neglect the education of its infant poor.

I do love history. I loved learning about wars and things in school.