If suffering were an unavoidable part of our existence, we should try to alleviate it as far as possible in practical, earthly ways.

I think by now I have made it fairly clear that I am not very happy with the word hope. I don't believe in people just hoping. We work for what we want. I always say that one has no right to hope without endeavor, so we work to try and bring about the situation that is necessary for the country, and we are confident that we will get to the negotiation table at one time or another. This is the way all such situations pan out even with the most truculent dictator.

Some of the best indicators of a country developing along the right lines are healthy mothers giving birth to healthy children who are assured of good care and a sound education that will enable them to face the challenges of a changing world.

When you decide to follow a certain path, you should follow it to the end and not be diverted from it for personal reasons.

Kindness can change the lives of people.

If you give in to intimidation, you'll go on being intimidated

When fear sets in, you don't trust others and when you don't trust anyone then you become selfish.