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.

It is not power that corrupts but fear. Fear of losing power corrupts those who wield it and fear of the scourge of power corrupts those who are subject to it.

There is nothing to compare with the courage of ordinary people whose names are unknown and whose sacrifices pass unnoticed. The courage that dares without recognition, without the protection of media attention, is a courage that humbles and inspires and reaffirms our faith in humanity.

The basis of democratic freedom is freedom of speech.

It is part of the unceasing human endeavor to prove that the spirit of man can transcend the flaws of his own nature.

The best way to help Burma is to empower the people of Burma, to help us have enough self-confidence to obtain what we want for ourselves.

I think that freedom is sometimes a state of mind. Sometimes, mind you, but not always.