Sydney Biddle Barrows

“The real difference between a conventional business and my business is that my business was illegal.”

“Never, ever, serve white wine with red meat. That's a fundamental rule of civilization.”

“You can't class="highlight">buy class, but you can class="highlight">buy the appearance of class.”

“I'm a great believer in lists. I have lists for everything.”

“Most men who go to prostitutes are not looking for sex. They are looking for affection.”

“I provided a service that was in demand. I was a classic entrepreneur.”

“Good breeding is a gift from heaven, but it is a gift that you must cultivate.”

“Manners are the lubricant of society.”

“The media created the 'Mayflower Madam' persona. I was just Sydney.”

“I ran the best goddamn house of ill repute in the history of the world.”

“It's far easier to be a madam than a housewife.”

“I didn't think of myself as a madam. I was a businesswoman.”

“I'm not ashamed of what I did. I'm proud of the business I built.”

“My clients were gentlemen. They were not looking for a cheap thrill.”

“I've always been a very competitive person.”