People need security of the mind. Why do they want democracy? Because it can give them freedom and security in a balanced way.

All military regimes use security as the reason why they should remain in power. It's nothing original.

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

It is not power that corrupts but fear.

Freedom must be demanded and defended, by those who have been denied it and by those who are already free.

I'm not the only one working for democracy in Burma - there are so many people who have worked for it because they believe that this is the only way we can maintain the dignity of our people.

Fearlessness may be a gift but perhaps more precious is the courage acquired through endeavour, courage that comes from cultivating the habit of refusing to let fear dictate one's actions, courage that could be described as 'grace under pressure' - grace which is renewed repeatedly in the face of harsh, unremitting pressure.