I've always thought that the best solution for those who feel helpless is for them to help others.

I've always tried to explain democracy is not perfect. But it gives you a chance to shape your own destiny.

You have a great many things to do when you are under house arrest. On the one hand, it is more comfortable than sitting in prison; on the other hand, you have to look after a household, which is strenuous under such circumstances.

In societies where men are truly confident of their own worth women are not merely "tolerated", they are valued.

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.

Those who have to face persistent political persecution become highly politicized. Our lives take on a rhythm different from those who, on waking up in the morning, do not need to wonder who might have been arrested during the night and what further acts of blatant injustice might be committed against our people later during the day. Our antennae become highly sensitive to vibrations barely noticed by those whose everyday existence is removed from political struggle.

We do need great change in Burma. We are trying to build a new society, a society where basic human rights are respected, and where our people enjoy all the benefits of democratic institutions.