Quotes from Madonna Ciccone

It amazes me when I talk to people in their early 20s and they've never read the classics, things we read as children. When you don't have knowledge and understanding, then fear rises in you.

The thing about dancing - what it taught me all those years - is it gives you an amazing sense of discipline in forcing yourself to do things that you know are good for you but you don't really want to do.

I think the biggest reason I was able to express myself and not be intimidated was by not having a mother. For example, mothers teach you manners. And I absolutely did not learn any of those rules and regulations.

Who needs a smile when a tear's so full of love?

When I went to Africa, I was reduced to floods of tears every day.

If your joy is derived from what society thinks of you, you're always going to be disappointed.

The only way I've been able to survive the betrayal of lovers, family members, and society is to be able to create as an artist.

Just because I'm presented life in a certain way doesn't mean I do all these things. It's just something I choose to express.

I want to keep growing and living life to the fullest for as long as I'm on this planet.

The idea of service to humanity, putting yourself in situations where people have much less than you do, puts life in perspective.

I'm a role model for those who dare to be different. For those who dare to take a stand in their life and have an opinion

Isn't it amazing that there are laws of the universe that you can actually find out about, live your life according to and change the world for the better?

I didn't really give a sh** what's going on in the rest of the world. I just didn't. I just wanted to focus on me, me, me, my career, my life, just me - blinders.

Death was a big part of my life growing up. I went to lots of funerals.

I don't think anyone strives to be anything negative. I just think that it's our nature to only focus on a few things in life and forget about a lot of other stuff.

If you're going to be an artist, real life is your inspiration.

Nos are just as valuable as yeses in the game of life. In fact, they're essential.

I think my biggest flaw is my insecurity. I'm terribly insecure. I'm plagued with insecurities 24/7.

If at first you don't succeed, you're obviously not me.

I'll rest when I'm dead. I'm hungry and life is short!

I refuse to live a conventional life.

I've never really lived a conventional life, so I think it's quite foolish for me or anyone else to start thinking that I am going to start making conventional choices.

I'm a showgirl. After 20 years in show business, I've learned to roll with the punches.

Making movies is really hard. It's the hardest thing I've ever done.