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.

The Nobel Peace Prize opened up a door in my heart.

I was surprised by the response of young people because there is a perception that those younger than the 1988 generation are not interested in politics.

Sometimes I didn't even have enough money to eat. I became so weak from malnourishment that my hair fell out, and I couldn't get out of bed.

I look upon myself as a politician. That isn't a dirty word.

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.

In general people feel more relaxed about participating in politics. They aren't frightened as they used to be.