First I lost my voice, then I lost my figure and then I lost Onassis.

I am not an angel and do not pretend to be. That is not one of my roles. But I am not the devil either. I am a woman and a serious artist, and I would like so to be judged.

I cannot switch my voice. My voice is not like an elevator going up and down.

I don't need the money, dear. I work for art.

I prepare myself for rehearsals like I would for marriage.

I was always too mature for my age - and not very happy. I had no young friends. I wish I could go back to those days. If I could only live it all again, how I would play and enjoy other girls. What a fool I was.

An opera begins long before the curtain goes up and ends long after it has come down. It starts in my imagination, it becomes my life, and it stays part of my life long after I've left the opera house.

I would not kill my enemies, but I will make them get down on their knees. I will, I can, I must.

Don't talk to me about rules, dear. Wherever I stay I make the goddam rules.

If I have stepped on some people at times because I am at the top, it couldn't be helped. What should I do if someone gets hurt... retire?

I would like to be Maria, but there is La Callas who demands that I carry myself with her dignity.

Good teachers make the best of a pupil's means; great teachers foresee a pupil's ends.

You are born an artist or you are not. And you stay an artist, dear, even if your voice is less of a fireworks. The artist is always there.

Women are not pals enough with men, so we must make ourselves indispensable. After all, we have the greatest weapon in our hands by just being women.

When my enemies stop hissing, I shall know I'm slipping.