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.

So, I think that for the authorities to say now that calling for sanctions will prevent dialogue is a ploy to stop us from supporting sanctions. It has to be the other way around: dialogue first, then we stop our call for sanctions, because sanctions make people understand that you cannot exercise repression and at the same time expect international support.

If you give in to intimidation, you'll go on being intimidated

The important thing is fear should not control your actions. It should not dictate what you do.

I was heartened that people everywhere want certain basic freedoms, even if they live in a totally different cultural environment.

I felt that it was my duty not to senselessly waste my time. And since I didn't want to waste my time, I tried to accomplish as much as possible.

I think sometimes if you are alone, you are freer because your time is your own.