My top priority is for people to understand that they have the power to change things themselves.

The basis of democratic freedom is freedom of speech.

It is not power that corrupts but fear.

In Burma, under the present Constitution, the Army can always take over all parts of government if they think this is necessary. so until the Army comes out clearly and consistently in support of the democratic process we cannot say that it's irreversible. But I don't think we need fear a reversal too much either.

I do protect human rights, and I hope I shall always be looked up as a champion of human rights.

As I travel through my country, people often ask me how it feels to have been imprisoned in my home -first for six years, then for 19 months. How could I stand the separation from family and friends? It is ironic, I say, that in an authoritarian state it is only the prisoner of conscience who is genuinely free. Yes, we have given up our right to a normal life. But we have stayed true to that most precious part of our humanity-our conscience.

Jobless people will have no self-confidence. And they feel they are worthless because when you don't have a job you have to rely on someone.