As much as any woman of the twentieth century, Madam Walker paved the way for the profound social changes that altered women's place in American society.

Madam Walker was a master marketer. But her brilliance was in taking it to another level by training women, by traveling, by making very motivational speeches and by providing independent income for women who otherwise would have to be maids and sharecroppers.

You have doubtless heard, my dear mother, the misfortune of Madame de Chartres, whose child is born dead. But I would rather have even that, terrible as it is, than be as I am without hope of any children.

A West Virginia 10 is a California 4. Or at least that's what legend tells us: The Legend of Dr. Feelgood. Plastic surgery has a permanent home here, which is why Nancy Pelosi loves our Botoxed beaches. Beverly Hills looks like a moving Madame Tussauds.

Madam President, speaking here in Dublin Castle it is impossible to ignore the weight of history, as it was yesterday when you and I laid wreaths at the Garden of Remembrance.

Many people have told me that once they learn of Madam Walker's accomplishments they are surprised, even embarrassed, that they have never heard of her. But they shouldn't be. Her extraordinary story was simply omitted from the history books.

Madam, I have been looking for a person who disliked gravy all my life; let us swear eternal friendship.

By 1916, as Madam Walker herself was developing more assertive views on race, she was becoming eager to assume her place alongside Harlem's famous, influential and intriguing residents.

If I can't eat the meal in a restaurant, and the waiter asks, 'Is everything all right, Madam?', I tell them that I'm on a diet.

Hell, madam, is to love no longer.

It's in my stars to invent; I was born on Madame Curie's birthday. I have this need for originals, for innovation. That's why I like Charlie Parker.

Madam Walker's legacy lives in her philanthropy as well as in an amazing line of hair care products.

Madam, knowledge is more precious than gold.

The great correspondent of the seventeenth century Madame de Sevigne counseled, "Take chocolate in order that even the most tireome company seem acceptable to you," which is also sound advice today!

To write a book is for all the world like humming a song-be but in tune with yourself, madam, 'tis no matter how high or how low you take it.

Neatness, madam, has nothing to do with the truth. The truth is quite messy, like a wind blown room.

Madame, all stories, if continued far enough, end in death, and he is no true-story teller who would keep that from you.

I'll never forget one morning I walked in and I had a hell of a bruise - it had been a difficult night the night before - and a client said to me 'Good God Vidal what happened to your face?' And I said 'Oh nothing madam I just fell over a hairpin.'

Madam I have been looking for a person who disliked gravy all my life let us swear eternal friendship.

Madame all stories if continued far enough end in death and he is no true-story teller who would keep that from you.

Hell madam is to love no longer.