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.

The basis of democratic freedom is freedom of speech.

Fearlessness may be a gift, but perhaps most precious is courage from cultivating the habit of refusing to let fear dictate one's actions.

Government leaders are amazing. So often it seems they are the last to know what the people want.

There have been many claims that [U.S.] sanctions have hurt Burma economically, but I did not agree with that point of view. If you look at reports by the IMF, for example, they make quite clear that the economic impact on Burma has not been that great. But I think the political impact has been very great and that has helped us in our struggle for democracy.

If you want democracy, you have got to be prepared to accept the responsibilities of democracy. The people have to take part. They have to understand that they have the power to move things, and they must really commit themselves to change if they want it.

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.