Fear is a habit; I am not afraid.

I don't like to be called a symbol. And I don't like to be called an icon. I will just say that I have to work very, very hard. So I'd rather be known as a hard worker. I don't think symbols do much, nor icons.

My attitude to peace is rather based on the Burmese definition of peace - it really means removing all the negative factors that destroy peace in this world. So peace does not mean just putting an end to violence or to war, but to all other factors that threaten peace, such as discrimination, such as inequality, poverty.

It is his capacity for self-improvement and self-redemption which most distinguishes man from the mere brute.

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

Calamities that are not the result of purely natural phenomena usually have their origins, distant and obscure though they may be, in common human failings.

There is no hope without endeavor.