Quotes of All Topics . Occasions . Authors
One person alone can't do anything as important as bringing genuine democracy to a country.
The root of a nation's misfortunes has to be sought in the moral failings of the government.
All repressive laws must be revoked, and laws introduced to protect the rights of the people.
If you want to bring an end to long-standing conflict, you have to be prepared to compromise.
There is so much that we need to do for our country. I don't think that we can afford to wait.
The important thing is fear should not control your actions. It should not dictate what you do.
I do protect human rights, and I hope I shall always be looked up as a champion of human rights.
Government leaders are amazing. So often it seems they are the last to know what the people want.
My top priority is for people to understand that they have the power to change things themselves.
I've always thought that the best solution for those who feel helpless is for them to help others.
When fear sets in, you don't trust others and when you don't trust anyone then you become selfish.
Assuming the chairmanship of ASEAN isn't going to do anything about improving the lives of people.
The true measure of the justice of a system is the amount of protection it guarantees to the weakest.
I am not unaware of the saying that more tears have been shed over wishes granted than wishes denied.
I saw many aspects of the country which I needed to see in order that I might know what we need to do.
With the right kind of institutions, starting with the rule of law, Burma could progress very quickly.
All military regimes use security as the reason why they should remain in power. It's nothing original.
My attitude is, do as much as I can while I'm free. And if I'm arrested I'll still do as much as I can.
I don't think any country can survive as a prosperous and dignified country unless there is rule of law.
If you can make people understand why freedom is so important through the arts, that would be a big help.
It would be difficult to dispel ignorance unless there is freedom to pursue the truth unfettered by fear.
Freedom must be demanded and defended, by those who have been denied it and by those who are already free.
People ask me about what sacrifices I've made. I always answer: I've made no sacrifices, I've made choices.
I've always tried to explain democracy is not perfect. But it gives you a chance to shape your own destiny.
As we strive to teach others we must have the humility to acknowledge that we too still have much to learn.
If you choose to do something, then you shouldn't say it's a sacrifice, because nobody forced you to do it.
Human beings the world over need freedom and security that they may be able to realize their full potential.
It cannot be doubted that in most countries today women, in comparison to men, still remain underprivileged.
The people of my country want the two freedoms that spell security: freedom from want and freedom from fear.
You must remember that democracy is made up not only of the executive, but the legislature and the judiciary.
It is his capacity for self-improvement and self-redemption which most distinguishes man from the mere brute.
I worry that even those who want to reform are not quite sure how to go about it. There is so much to be done.
I think when the people in Burma stop thinking about whether or not they're free, it'll mean that they're free.
In general people feel more relaxed about participating in politics. They aren't frightened as they used to be.
I don't seem to have time to breathe. Everything's happening so quickly, and so much is happening all the time.
In societies where men are truly confident of their own worth women are not merely "tolerated", they are valued.
After all it was my father who founded the Burmese army and I do have a sense of warmth towards the Burmese army.
I was a prisoner, but I always felt free because I was not frightened So for me real freedom is freedom from fear.
Peace as a goal is an ideal which will not be contested by any government or nation, not even the most belligerent.
The important thing is Burma needs to end the civil war and for this to happen both sides must want to end the war.
All right, your knees may be knocking but that shouldn't prevent you from going ahead and doing what you need to do.
Burmese political culture lacks an understanding of negotiated compromise. We have to build up that kind of culture.
We cannot be caught in the bond of suspicion. We have to carry out what we should be doing with a firm determination.
It is part of the unceasing human endeavor to prove that the spirit of man can transcend the flaws of his own nature.
Confidence-building is not something that can go on forever. If it goes on forever then it becomes counterproductive.
I've always said that the most important thing is job creation. Jobs will earn people money and build self-confidence.
I feel that the BBC World Service is not as versatile as it used to be - or perhaps I'm not listening at the right times.
When the Nobel Committee chose to honor me, the road I had chosen of my own free will became a less lonely path to follow.
Each man has in him the potential to realize the truth through his own will and endeavour and to help others to realize it.
When you decide to follow a certain path, you should follow it to the end and not be diverted from it for personal reasons.