110+ Aung San Suu Kyi Quotes (Peaceful, Courageous And Determined)

Aung San Suu Kyi is a Burmese politician, diplomat, and activist who has been an important figure in Burmese politics since the late 1980s. She is the leader of the National League for Democracy, a political party in Myanmar, and has been an outspoken advocate for democracy and human rights in the country. She was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991 for her nonviolent struggle for democracy and freedom in Myanmar.

Top 10 Aung San Suu Kyi Quotes

1. It is not power that corrupts but fear.
2. We will surely get to our destination if we join hands.
3. If you are feeling helpless, help someone.
4. To be kind is to respond with sensitivity and human warmth to the hopes and needs of others. Even the briefest touch of kindness can lighten a heavy heart. Kindness can change the lives of people.
5. The true measure of the justice of a system is the amount of protection it guarantees to the weakest.
6. Fearlessness may be a gift, but perhaps most precious is courage from cultivating the habit of refusing to let fear dictate one's actions.
7. There is nothing to be gained by being unnecessarily nasty. Violence begets violence.
8. Human beings the world over need freedom and security that they may be able to realize their full potential.
9. Fear is not the natural state of civilized people.
10. The education and empowerment of women throughout the world cannot fail to result in a more caring, tolerant, just and peaceful life for all.

Aung San Suu Kyi Short Quotes

• I've always thought that the best solution for those who feel helpless is for them to help others.
• Please use your freedom to promote ours.
• There is no hope without endeavor.
• My top priority is for people to understand that they have the power to change things themselves.
• If you give in to intimidation, you'll go on being intimidated
• Perhaps Singapore could learn from us a more relaxed way of life.
• A more significant phase should mean serious political dialogue.
• Agreeing to disagree is a prerogative only of those who live under a democratic system.
• There can be no civil peace without the rule of law.
• The democracy process provides for political and social change without violence.

Aung San Suu Kyi Famous Quotes And Sayings

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. — Aung San Suu Kyi

The search for scapegoats is essentially an abnegation of responsibility: it indicates an inability to assess honestly and intelligently the true nature of the problems which lie at the root of social and economic difficulties and a lack of resolve in grappling with them. — Aung San Suu Kyi

The last six years afforded me much time and food for thought. I came to the conclusion that the human race is not divided into two opposing camps of good and evil. It is made up of those who are capable of learning and those who are incapable of doing so. — Aung San Suu Kyi

The people of my country want the two freedoms that spell security: freedom from want and freedom from fear. — Aung San Suu Kyi

Saints, it has been said, are the sinners who go on trying. So free men and women are the oppressed who go on trying and who in the process make themselves fit to bear the responsibilities and uphold the disciplines which will maintain a free society. — Aung San Suu Kyi

The main aim of the [political] dialogue should be to resolve the problems of the nation, not to find who is the winner and who is the loser. That's not what it's all about. It's to try and find an answer that is acceptable to all parties concerned, which would of course require some give and take. — Aung San Suu Kyi

The struggle for democracy and human rights in Burma is a struggle for life and dignity. It is a struggle that encompasses our political, social and economic aspirations. — Aung San Suu Kyi

Early childhood development has proved to be very beneficial and very cost-effective in societies where this is been tried. So let's not confine ourselves to primary education. Let's think of early childhood development and education as a whole. — Aung San Suu Kyi

Part of our struggle is to make the international community understand that we are a poor country not because there is an insufficiency of resources and investment, but because we are deprived of the basic institutions and practices that make for good government. — Aung San Suu Kyi

It is his capacity for self-improvement and self-redemption which most distinguishes man from the mere brute. — Aung San Suu Kyi

It's good to know that the people of different countries are really concerned and involved in the movement to help Burma. I think in some ways it's better to have the people of the world on your side than the governments of the world, even if governments can be more effective in certain directions. — Aung San Suu Kyi

A most insidious form of fear is that which masquerades as common sense or even wisdom, condemning as foolish, reckless, insignificant or futile the small, daily acts of courage which help to preserve man's self-respect and inherent human dignity. — Aung San Suu Kyi

In Burma, we have only about four percent of the people in our country who are (college) graduates. So can we not value the majority? No, we must. If we just value the graduates, then does that mean our people are not valuable? I don't believe that. What is important is we need right people in right positions. — Aung San Suu Kyi

I don't like to be called a symbol. And I don't like to be called an icon. I will just say that I have to work very, very hard. So I'd rather be known as a hard worker. I don't think symbols do much, nor icons. — Aung San Suu Kyi

We must contemplate what the meaning of being "educated" is. Some people think a person with plenty of degrees is an educated one. But I believe a person who can judge a situation correctly and make timely decisions is more important. — Aung San Suu Kyi

There is a special charm to journeys undertaken before daybreak in hot lands: the air is soft and cool and the coming of dawn reveals a landscape fresh from the night dew. — Aung San Suu Kyi

The value systems of those with access to power and of those far removed from such access cannot be the same. The viewpoint of the privileged is unlike that of the underprivileged. — Aung San Suu Kyi

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. — Aung San Suu Kyi

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. — Aung San Suu Kyi

You must remember that democracy is made up not only of the executive, but the legislature and the judiciary. — Aung San Suu Kyi

It is not easy for a people conditioned by fear under the iron rule of the principle that might is right to free themselves from the enervating miasma of fear. Yet even under the most crushing state machinery courage rises up again and again, for fear is not the natural state of civilized man. — Aung San Suu Kyi

The history of the world shows that peoples and societies do not have to pass through a fixed series of stages in the course of development. — Aung San Suu Kyi

When we think of the state of the economy, we are not thinking in terms of money flow. We are thinking in terms of the effect on everyday lives of people. — Aung San Suu Kyi

The best way to deal with AIDS is through education. So we need a really widespread AIDS education program. In fact, what we need in Burma is education of all kinds - political, economic, and medical. AIDS education would be just part of a whole program for education, which is so badly needed in our country. — Aung San Suu Kyi

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. — Aung San Suu Kyi

In Burma, our main goal in amending the constitution is not to phase out the military from politics. Our main point is to put the constitution in line with international standards and norms. — Aung San Suu Kyi

If you want to bring an end to long-standing conflict, you have to be prepared to compromise. If either or both sides insist on getting everything that they want - that is to say 100 percent of their demands to be met, then there can never be a settlement. — Aung San Suu Kyi

Democracy acknowledges the right to differ as well as the duty to settle differences peacefully. Authoritarian governments see criticism of their actions and doctrines as a challenge to combat. — Aung San Suu Kyi

That's not how politics works - sometimes things move in a rather imperceptible way. There are no fireworks, and then comes a time when change comes unexpectedly. Sometimes change comes with a lot of fireworks, but not always. — Aung San Suu Kyi

Once serious political dialogue has begun, the international community can assume that we have achieved genuine progress along the road to real democratisation. — Aung San Suu Kyi

In a system which denies the existence of basic human rights, fear tends to be the order of the day. The only real prison is fear, and the only real freedom is freedom from fear. Never let fear prevent you from doing right. — Aung San Suu Kyi

It cannot be doubted that in most countries today women, in comparison to men, still remain underprivileged. — Aung San Suu Kyi

Lasting solutions are always difficult to come to. But they will have to persevere. I've been repeating ad nauseam that we in Burma we are weak with regard to the culture of negotiated compromises, that we have to develop the ability to achieve such compromises. — Aung San Suu Kyi

I think one must take responsibility for one's actions and one's decisions. But one should never take -- one should never assume that everything that happens for the good is achieved by one's self alone. — Aung San Suu Kyi

[T]here is a vast difference in the attitude of a man with a gun in his hand and that of one without a gun in his hand. When a man does not have a gun in his hand, or a woman for the matter, he or she tries harder to use his or her mind, sense of compassion, and intelligence to work out a solution. — Aung San Suu Kyi

We achieve everything by our efforts alone. Our fate is not decided by an almighty God. We decide our own fate by our actions. You have to gain mystery over yourself. It is not a matter of sitting back and accepting. — Aung San Suu Kyi

Some of the most relaxing weekends I have ever enjoyed were those I spent quietly with a sense of all work to date completed, and an absorbing mystery. — Aung San Suu Kyi

European and American companies companies do create jobs for some people but what they're mainly going to do is make an already wealthy elite wealthier, and increase its greed and strong desire to hang on to power. So immediately and in the long run, these companies - harm the democratic process a great deal. — Aung San Suu Kyi

We have to choose between dialogue and utter devastation. — Aung San Suu Kyi

At the moment I would like to emphasize the need for vocational training, for non-formal education in Burma to help all those young people who have suffered from a bad education. They have to be trained to earn their living. They have to have enough education vocational training to be able to set up respectable lives for themselves. — Aung San Suu Kyi

People should be concerned about installing a more sensible, responsible government. What we [the burmese] need is a government that is accountable and transparent, so that the people know what it is doing and can judge for themselves whether or not they like what is being done. — Aung San Suu Kyi

Peace, development, and justice are all connected to each other. We cannot talk about economic development without talking about peace. How can we expect economic development in a battlefield? — Aung San Suu Kyi

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. — Aung San Suu Kyi

Human rights and rule of law are inseparably connected. — Aung San Suu Kyi

Sometimes, 24 hours can bring a total revolutionary change. — Aung San Suu Kyi

Investment that only goes to enrich an already wealthy elite bent on monopolizing both economic and political power cannot contribute toward égalité and justice - the foundation stones for a sound democracy. — Aung San Suu Kyi

When I was in London a Kachin youth criticized me for not condemning the Burmese military for their offensive in Kachin State. I answered "condemnation is not the solution." We want to build reconciliation, not condemnation. — Aung San Suu Kyi

Despotic governments do not recognize the precious human component of the state, seeing its citizens only as a faceless, mindless -- and helpless -- mass to be manipulated at will. It is as though people were incidental to a nation rather than its very life-blood. — Aung San Suu Kyi

Burma wants to have good relations with our neighboring countries, China and India. I do believe the United States itself wants to live in harmony with China and India. That's why we have to lay down political policies that are fair for everyone. — Aung San Suu Kyi

It's very difficult to have any faith in the sincerity of the SLORC about stamping out drug production if they find it so easy to forgive a drug baron whom at one time they said they would never, never forgive and would never, never regard as anything but a drug runner. The SLORC is far more aggressive in its attitude toward the National League for Democracy than against drug traffickers. — Aung San Suu Kyi

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. — Aung San Suu Kyi

The quintessential revolution is that of spirit. Without this, the forces which produce the inequalities of the old order will continue to operate. — Aung San Suu Kyi

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

The important thing is fear should not control your actions. It should not dictate what you do. — Aung San Suu Kyi

There are those who argue that the concept of human rights is not applicable to all cultures. We in the National League for Democracy believe that human rights are of universal relevance. But even those who do not believe in human rights must certainly agree that the rule of law is most important. Without the rule of law there can be no peace. — Aung San Suu Kyi

It is incorrect to say there have been no reforms at all in Burma; there have of course been reforms, but we still need to do more for the people. To become a democratic society we have to continually be reforming. — Aung San Suu Kyi

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. — Aung San Suu Kyi

There have been many claims that [U.S.] sanctions have hurt Burma economically, but I did not agree with that point of view. If you look at reports by the IMF, for example, they make quite clear that the economic impact on Burma has not been that great. But I think the political impact has been very great and that has helped us in our struggle for democracy. — Aung San Suu Kyi

I do not look upon my life as a sacrifice at all. — Aung San Suu Kyi

I think sometimes if you are alone, you are freer because your time is your own. — Aung San Suu Kyi

It is part of the unceasing human endeavor to prove that the spirit of man can transcend the flaws of his own nature. — Aung San Suu Kyi

I've always been strongly on the side of non-violence. Also, I think that if you use the wrong means, the ends themselves get distorted. — Aung San Suu Kyi

The terms of the 2008 constitution [which ensures the military will continue to be the ultimate authority] could not benefit Burma in the long run. I think this constitution should be revised. — Aung San Suu Kyi

You may not think about politics, but politics think about you. — Aung San Suu Kyi

Solidarity is a beautiful word because it means that you reach out to those who are different from you and who have to cope with different circumstances because we recognize that we all share the same human needs and same values. It is the values that count most of all. The value of freedom of thought, the value of democratic practices, the value of respect for your fellow human beings. — Aung San Suu Kyi

I was a prisoner, but I always felt free because I was not frightened So for me real freedom is freedom from fear. — Aung San Suu Kyi

Challenges mean opportunities as well. — Aung San Suu Kyi

The greatest gift for an individual or a nation... was abhaya, fearlessness, not merely bodily courage but absence of fear from the mind. — Aung San Suu Kyi

When fear sets in, you don't trust others and when you don't trust anyone then you become selfish. — Aung San Suu Kyi

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. — Aung San Suu Kyi

It is essential to institute a legal framework that would ensure justice and improve the quality of life in Burma immediately, because the greatest suffering among the people at the moment is caused by lack of justice and lack of the rule of law. — Aung San Suu Kyi

The provision of basic material needs is not sufficient to make minority groups and indigenous peoples feel they are truly part of the greater national entity. For that they have to be confident that they too have an active role to play in shaping the destiny of the state that demands their allegiance. — Aung San Suu Kyi

When you think of Buddhism, you're likely to think of peace and tranquility. — Aung San Suu Kyi

Even if you feel fear, you still have to go ahead and do what you believe in. — Aung San Suu Kyi

A revolution simply means great change, significant change, and that's how I'm defining it - great change for the better, brought about through non-violent means. — Aung San Suu Kyi

When you feel helpless, help someone. — Aung San Suu Kyi

I was speaking to a writer the other day and he gave me a valuable piece of advice. He said that you may get to where you want to go quicker through violence, but the healing process takes longer. Whereas if you don't use violence, there is not much healing necessary, so you win in the long run. — Aung San Suu Kyi

In Burma, we need to improve education in the country - not only primary education, but secondary and tertiary education. Our education system is very very bad. But, of course, if you look at primary education, we have to think in terms of early childhood development that's going back to before the child is born - making sure the mother is well nourished and the child is properly nurtured. — Aung San Suu Kyi

I think that freedom is sometimes a state of mind. Sometimes, mind you, but not always. — Aung San Suu Kyi

Burmese political culture lacks an understanding of negotiated compromise. We have to build up that kind of culture. — Aung San Suu Kyi

One prisoner of conscience is one too many. — Aung San Suu Kyi

I think there's a need for the participation of the military for the stability of the transformation period of Burma. If the military and the people do unite together for the sake of our country, we can reach the development of our country in a very short time. — Aung San Suu Kyi

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. — Aung San Suu Kyi

Religion is about increasing peace and harmony in the world. ... People of all different religions should be given the opportunity to pursue good in their own way. — Aung San Suu Kyi

If you feel helpless, go help someone. — Aung San Suu Kyi

People ask me about what sacrifices I've made. I always answer: I've made no sacrifices, I've made choices. — Aung San Suu Kyi

Among the basic freedoms to which men aspire that their lives might be full and uncramped, freedom from fear stands out as both a means and an end. A people who would build a nation in which strong, democratic institutions are firmly established as a guarantee against state-induced power must first learn to liberate their own minds from apathy and fear. — Aung San Suu Kyi

I do not like to encourage personalized politics, so we would not like it to be thought that just because certain political personalities were attacked, this means the situation is very grave. The true gravity of the situation comes from the fact that ordinary members of the NLD are repressed all the time. We don't want a completely paralyzed political organization, while a select few leaders are protected by international attention. — Aung San Suu Kyi

We cannot be caught in the bond of suspicion. We have to carry out what we should be doing with a firm determination. — Aung San Suu Kyi

Peace as a goal is an ideal which will not be contested by any government or nation, not even the most belligerent. — Aung San Suu Kyi

Life Lessons by Aung San Suu Kyi

1. Aung San Suu Kyi's work as an activist has shown us the power of peaceful protest and civil disobedience to bring about positive change.
2. Her resilience and determination in the face of adversity has inspired many to stand up for what they believe in and to fight for justice.
3. Her example has taught us that standing up for what is right is never easy, but it is always worth it.