Catholicism is not a soothing religion. It’s a painful religion. We’re all gluttons for punishment. Madonna
I sometimes think I was born to live up to my name. How could I be anything else but what I am having been named Madonna? I would either have ended up a nun or this. Madonna
I’m tough, I’m ambitious, and I know exactly what I want. If that makes me a bitch, OK. Madonna
I wouldn’t have turned out the way I was if I didn’t have all those old-fashioned values to rebel against. Madonna
I have the same goal I’ve had ever since I was a girl. I want to rule the world. Madonna
I always thought of losing my virginity as a career move. Madonna
To me, the whole process of being a brushstroke in someone else’s painting is a little difficult. Madonna
Having money is just the best thing in the world. Madonna
Everyone probably thinks that I’m a raving nymphomaniac, that I have an insatiable sexual appetite, when the truth is I’d rather read a book. Madonna
I am my own experiment. I am my own work of art. Madonna
My father was very strong. I don’t agree with a lot of the ways he brought me up. I don’t agree with a lot of his values, but he did have a lot of integrity, and if he told us not to do something, he didn’t do it either. Madonna
There are moments when I can’t believe I’m as old as I am. But I feel better physically than I did 10 years ago. I don’t think, Oh God, I’m missing something. Madonna
I always thought I should be treated like a star. Madonna
The worst thing about being famous? I think it’s what everybody says…the lack of privacy and the idea that you’re not really allowed to make mistakes and everything that you do is viewed under a microscope. Madonna
It is difficult to believe in a religion that places such a high premium on chastity and virginity. Madonna
Sometimes you have to be a bitch to get things done. Madonna
A lot of people are afraid to say what they want. That’s why they don’t get what they want. Madonna
Poor is the man whose pleasures depend on the permission of another. Madonna
To be brave is to love someone unconditionally, without expecting anything in return. To just give. That takes courage, because we don’t want to fall on our faces or leave ourselves open to hurt. Madonna
I stand for freedom of expression, doing what you believe in, and going after your dreams. Madonna
For me, the best thing in the world is to see something or hear something and go: ‘Damn, I wish I did that. That’s inspiring’. Madonna (BBC 16/2/07)