Quotes from Aung San Suu Kyi

One wants to be together with one's family. That's what families are about.

I felt that it was my duty not to senselessly waste my time. And since I didn't want to waste my time, I tried to accomplish as much as possible.

I was heartened that people everywhere want certain basic freedoms, even if they live in a totally different cultural environment.

I worry that even those who want to reform are not quite sure how to go about it. There is so much to be done.

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

The important thing is Burma needs to end the civil war and for this to happen both sides must want to end the war.

I think I should be active politically. Because I look upon myself as a politician. That's not a dirty work you know. Some people think that there are something wrong with politicians. Of course, something wrong with some politicians.

War is not the only arena where peace is done to death. Wherever suffering is ignored, there will be the seeds of conflict, for suffering degrades and embitters and enrages.

I have been free for more than a month. Some people may think that that is long enough. Others may think that that is not quite long enough.

My top priority is for people to understand that they have the power to change things themselves.

A family is very special. So when a family splits up, it's not good, it's never good.

When I was under house arrest, it was the BBC that spoke to me - I listened.

It doesn't seem right for anybody to get so much attention.

You should never let your fears prevent you from doing what you know is right.

The education and empowerment of women throughout the world cannot fail to result in a more caring, tolerant, just and peaceful life for all.

It is his capacity for self-improvement and self-redemption which most distinguishes man from the mere brute.

I saw many aspects of the country which I needed to see in order that I might know what we need to do.

Freedom and democracy are dreams you never give up.

People must work in unison.

Every government must consider the security of the country. That is just part of the responsibilities of any government. But true security can only come out of unity within a country where there are so many ethnic nationalities.

To the best of my knowledge, no war was ever started by women. But it is women and children who have always suffered most in situations of conflict.

It cannot be doubted that in most countries today women, in comparison to men, still remain underprivileged.

I think more women should be involved in politics for the good of the human race.

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