After all it was my father who founded the Burmese army and I do have a sense of warmth towards the Burmese army.

Fear is not the natural state of civilized people.

Humor is one of the best ingredients of survival.

When the Nobel Committee chose to honor me, the road I had chosen of my own free will became a less lonely path to follow.

In Burma, we need to improve education in the country - not only primary education, but secondary and tertiary education. Our education system is very very bad. But, of course, if you look at primary education, we have to think in terms of early childhood development that's going back to before the child is born - making sure the mother is well nourished and the child is properly nurtured.

I am not unaware of the saying that more tears have been shed over wishes granted than wishes denied.

Human beings the world over need freedom and security that they may be able to realize their full potential.