Carla Bruni

“Love lasts a long time but burning desire lasts two to three weeks.”

“I only judge people in one way. I like them or I don't. But I don't have preconceived ideas.”

“I like peace and solitude and silence.”

“I don't believe in cutting out people from the past. It doesn't give strength; it just gives loneliness.”

“I care about writing music and playing my music.”

“I find that talking about myself is often the most boring thing in the world. Sixty per cent of interviews I find mechanical.”

“I hoped that, you know, France wouldn't mind about, you know, the wife of their president to having a job.”

“I think it would be shocking for me to pretend not to have any past. And also, it would be a lie.”

“My mother was a classical pianist and my stepfather was an industrialist who was passionate about composing contemporary music.”

“It would never occur to me to judge anyone.”

“I love English rock music the best and have always been fascinated by The Clash, especially Joe Strummer, their singer.”

“I thought marriage was something very quiet and very regular and very bourgeois.”