Unless there is free and fair competition, there can't be healthy economic development. And what we have in Burma now is not an open-market economy that allows free and fair competition, but a form of colonialism makes a few people very, very wealthy. It's what you would crony capitalism.

Taking sides cannot bring peace and balance.

My attitude is, do as much as I can while I'm free. And if I'm arrested I'll still do as much as I can.

I was a bit of a coward when I was small. I was terribly frightened of the dark.

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.

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.

It is not enough to sit and hope. You have to work in order to realize your hopes.