My feeling is that maintaining financial independence is also a healthy way to keep my feet on the ground.

I am a committed observer. I like staying in the background and seeing what's going on.

Being First Lady is playing supporting act. I am not seeking notoriety and I am not seeking to grab the limelight.

I built my entire life on the idea of independence.

But despite this breathtaking pace, I believe in the capacity of our democracy to meet these challenges.

Only individuals can desire and act. The existence of an institution such as government becomes meaningful only through influencing the actions of those individuals who are and those who are not considered as members.

Human evolution relies on cooperation, which is why identity politics feels so backward.

Venezuela has immense talents and resources, and we can help rebuild our democracy.