I think, if you have enough inner resources, then you can live in isolation for long periods of time and not feel diminished by it.

To view the opposition as dangerous is to misunderstand the basic concepts of democracy. To oppress the opposition is to assault the very foundation of democracy.

The true measure of the justice of a system is the amount of protection it guarantees to the weakest.

When fear sets in, you don't trust others and when you don't trust anyone then you become selfish.

We have been making constant efforts, all the time, to start dialogue with the SLORC, but you know it takes two. We don't want a monologue. We would like a substantive political dialogue among the SLORC, political leaders including myself, and leaders of ethnic groups-exactly as stipulated in the U.N. General Assembly resolution on Burma.

You should never let your fears prevent you from doing what you know is right.

Every government must consider the security of the country. That is just part of the responsibilities of any government. But true security can only come out of unity within a country where there are so many ethnic nationalities.