Shirin Ebadi Quotes

I'm not one of the people who have to be in public office.

While not all politicians are statesmen, all statesmen are politicians.

I’ve been asked to run for public office three times now, and each time I’ve managed to escape with my virtue intact. I said, no.

I am not seeking any position in a Dole Administration.

I ran for attorney general to be attorney general.

I'm not a politician. And I don't want to be.

I want to be a public servant, not a politician.

My husband is very fortunate to be part of the government. It is a great honor and privilege, and in no way is his work, or my part in this, any kind of sacrifice.

If I think of all the family members, I was probably the only one who was excited with the possibility of my dad's entering public office.

If you don't like public service, don't run for office.

I served 40 years in government, and I'm not looking forward to a position or an assignment. Of course, I have always said if a president asks you to do something, you have to consider it. But I am in no way interested in returning to government. But I, of course, would sit and talk to any president who wishes to talk to me.

I was on leave from local and regional politics, as long as I was a Minister.

Elective office and public service are obviously something that have long ties with my family, and something I'm definitely interested in.

When a governor asks you to come and serve... or a president, subsequently in my life - you do so.

My conscience does not permit me to run for the presidency or any other official position unless it is within a democratic framework.

I don't want to run for governor, but I don't think anyone should put public service out of the question because that's not what a good citizen does.

All I am saying is I will be a senator - should there be any special circumstance where the political forces would believe that there might be a need for my service, I would consider it.

I loved what I did. I could've been secretary of state for ever.

The idea of being in the State Department was exciting. On the other hand, I always had in the back of my mind going into politics. If I stayed in Washington, I might end up a government hack.

I've been complimented enough and asked to run for various offices out here in Utah, but right now, I'm not interested. I don't know that I have the stomach for it.

I am not a politician and I have no intention of being one.

One never expected from a Congressman more than good intentions and public spirit.

Public service is a noble career. You can’t do it unless you get out there and run…. You can make a difference if you are elected.

If you want to be a policy maker, run for office.

I am an old public functionary.