As the twentieth century draws to a close it has become obvious that material yardsticks alone cannot serve as an adequate measure of human well-being. Even as basic an issue as poverty has to be re-examined to take into account the psychological sense of deprivation that makes people feel poor.

I think by now I have made it fairly clear that I am not very happy with the word hope. I don't believe in people just hoping. We work for what we want. I always say that one has no right to hope without endeavor, so we work to try and bring about the situation that is necessary for the country, and we are confident that we will get to the negotiation table at one time or another. This is the way all such situations pan out even with the most truculent dictator.

I always say that one has no right to hope without endeavor.

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'm rather inclined to liking people.

Burmese political culture lacks an understanding of negotiated compromise. We have to build up that kind of culture.

Humor is one of the best ingredients of survival.