However, I must say that I am very happy to see that we have such a positive result for our first referendum in our history and that gives me more confidence in Taiwan's democracy.

We sincerely ask the Beijing authorities across the Strait to view the election result from a positive perspective, to accept the democratic decision of the Taiwanese people.

It has been well over half a century and I'm glad to say we have taken the right path from authoritarianism to democracy and this is a road of no return.

Even if I were knocked down by one gunshot it wouldn't affect our democracy and I wasn't knocked down and I have great confidence in our democracy and in Taiwan and in the people of Taiwan.

Taiwan is an independent, sovereign country.

If we really love and cherish Taiwan, we should hold our hands in unity to protect our country and our democratic values with the most humble and tolerant hearts.

The road to democracy may be winding and is like a river taking many curves, but eventually the river will reach the ocean.

I believe that this is not only the view of the people on both sides of the Strait. It is also the common expectation of the US, Japan and the international community.

A defensive referendum is for avoiding war and to help keep the Taiwanese people free of fear.

Even if one tree falls down it wouldn't affect the entire forest.

We will make every effort to unify all ethnic groups, to strengthen belief in Taiwan and to persist in reform.

I do not expect old heads on young shoulders.

Freedom of speech doesn't mean threatening the freedom of others.

Do the possible, and let God do the impossible.

Better pass boldly into that other world, in the full glory of some passion, than fade and wither dismally with age.

I think that training is important. I think you need to learn as much as you can learn. I would say that it's important and probably crucial, but I wouldn't say that everyone has to have it.

Don’t indulge in any unnecessary, sophisticated moves

I started out as a receptionist. I typed, I filed, I answered the phones for a little nine-person company.

Losing my father at a tender age was extremely important in being able to accept what happened to me later when I became a quadriplegic.

They too wonder about the nature of existence, where they've come from and where they're going to and how much time they have.

Western clothes are our everyday wardrobe. But I do not think that it makes much of a difference anymore whether you are Japanese or American or European.