Fundamental violations of human rights always lead to people feeling less and less human.

People should be concerned about installing a more sensible, responsible government. What we [the burmese] need is a government that is accountable and transparent, so that the people know what it is doing and can judge for themselves whether or not they like what is being done.

I don't think of myself as unbreakable. Perhaps I'm just rather flexible and adaptable.

I don't understand why people say that I am full of courage. I feel terribly nervous.

To be kind is to respond with sensitivity and human warmth to the hopes and needs of others. Even the briefest touch of kindness can lighten a heavy heart. Kindness can change the lives of people.

I've always thought that the best solution for those who feel helpless is for them to help others.

Human beings want to be free and however long they may agree to stay locked up, to stay oppressed, there will come a time when they say 'That's it.' Suddenly they find themselves doing something that they never would have thought they would be doing, simply because of the human instinct that makes them turn their face towards freedom.