Quotes from Aung San Suu Kyi

My attitude to peace is rather based on the Burmese definition of peace - it really means removing all the negative factors that destroy peace in this world. So peace does not mean just putting an end to violence or to war, but to all other factors that threaten peace, such as discrimination, such as inequality, poverty.

My opinion is the greatest reward that any government could get is the approval of the people. If the people are happy and the people are at peace and the government has done something for them, that's the greatest reward I think any government could hope for.

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.

At this age, I should be leading a quiet life.

Frankly, if you do politics, you should not be thinking about your dignity.

If I advocate cautious optimism it is not because I do not have faith in the future but because I do not want to encourage blind faith.

What does Burma have to give the United States? We can give you the opportunity to engage with people who are ready and willing to change a society.

History is always changing.

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.

In general people feel more relaxed about participating in politics. They aren't frightened as they used to be.

My opinion is the greatest reward that any government could get is the approval of the people. If the people are happy and the people are at peace and the government has done something for them, that's the greatest reward I think any government could hope for.

Sanctions and boycotts would be tied to serious political dialogue.

I think sometimes if you are alone, you are freer because your time is your own.

I think, if you have enough inner resources, then you can live in isolation for long periods of time and not feel diminished by it.

I only used a cell phone for the first time after I was released. I had difficulty coping with it because it seemed so small and insubstantial.

The people have given me their support they have given me their trust and confidence. My colleagues have suffered a lot in order to give me support. I do not look upon my life as a sacrifice at all.

I do not hold to non-violence for moral reasons, but for political and practical reasons.

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

If I were the blushing kind, I would blush to be called a hero.

I think it's time for the Army to understand that power should be enshrined in the people if we are to be a genuine democracy and not in any particular institution or organisation.

As long as there is no law in Burma, any individual here can be arrested at any time.

I could listen to the radio and I had access to books from time to time. Not all the time.

Of course I regret not having been able to spend time with my family.

I haven't heard any music on the BBC World Service in a long time. Maybe I'm listening at the wrong times. But not one single piece of music.