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.

In terms of the history of a far reaching movement, 20 years is not that long.

History is always changing.

I do protect human rights, and I hope I shall always be looked up as a champion of human rights.

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.

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.

Humor is one of the best ingredients of survival.

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.

I don't want to see the military falling. I want to see the military rising to dignified heights of professionalism and true patriotism.

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.