Authors: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

147 Aung San Suu Kyi Quotes That Empower You

Famous As: Former State Counsellor of Myanmar (2016 - 2021) and Winner of the 1991 Nobel Peace Prize
Born On: June 19, 1945
Born In: Yangon, Myanmar (Burma)
Age: 77 Years
Aung San Suu Kyi is a celebrated Burmese politician, author and diplomat. She is the leader of the National League for Democracy and the first State Counsellor, a position equivalent to Prime Minister. She is the first female to serve as Minister of Foreign Affairs of Myanmar, the Minister of the President's Office and the Minister of Electric Power and Energy in Htin Kyaw’s cabinet. She also worked for the United Nations for a short period before being nominated as the General Secretary of the National League for Democracy. She was kept under house arrest by the ruling military junta for almost 15 years from 1989 to 2010, and became one of the world's most prominent political prisoners. She was honored with the Nobel Peace Prize, Rafto Prize, Jawaharlal Nehru Award, Sakharov Prize, Order of Australia, US Congressional Gold Medal and Presidential Medal of Freedom. An honorary member of Nelson Mandela’s elders, Aung San Suu Kyi went on to receive citizenship from various countries. We have collected her thoughts and sayings from her speeches, writings and general life. Here is a collection of Aung San Suu Kyi quotes on tyranny, freedom, equality, peace, harmony, sovereignty and democracy.
Listed In:
The only real prison is fear, and the only real freedom is freedom from fear

The only real prison is fear, and the only real freedom is freedom from fear

Aung San Suu Kyi
One should mature over 20 years.

One should mature over 20 years.

Aung San Suu Kyi
I look forward to trying the Internet.

I look forward to trying the Internet.

Aung San Suu Kyi

Regime is made up of people, so I do put faces to regimes and governments, so I feel that all human beings have the right to be given the benefit of the doubt, and they also have to be given the right to try to redeem themselves if they so wish.

Aung San Suu Kyi
A more significant phase should mean serious political dialogue.

A more significant phase should mean serious political dialogue.

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.

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
I knew some of the army quite well.

I knew some of the army quite well.

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

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

Aung San Suu Kyi
It doesn't seem right for anybody to get so much attention.

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

Aung San Suu Kyi
Of course I regret not having been able to spend time with my family.

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

Aung San Suu Kyi
I think I was the healthiest prisoner of conscience in the world.

I think I was the healthiest prisoner of conscience in the world.

Aung San Suu Kyi

Human beings want to be free and however long they may agree to stay locked up, to stay oppressed, there will come a time when they say 'That's it.' Suddenly they find themselves doing something that they never would have thought they would be doing, simply because of the human instinct that makes them turn their face towards freedom.

Aung San Suu Kyi
By helping others, you will learn how to help yourselves.

By helping others, you will learn how to help yourselves.

Aung San Suu Kyi
Humor is one of the best ingredients of survival.

Humor is one of the best ingredients of survival.

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

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

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

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

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.

Aung San Suu Kyi
If you want to bring an end to long-standing conflict, you have to be prepared to compromise.

If you want to bring an end to long-standing conflict, you have to be prepared to compromise.

Aung San Suu Kyi
If you choose to do something, then you shouldn't say it's a sacrifice, because nobody forced you to do it.

If you choose to do something, then you shouldn't say it's a sacrifice, because nobody forced you to do it.

Aung San Suu Kyi
Since we live in this world, we have to do our best for this world.

Since we live in this world, we have to do our best for this world.

Aung San Suu Kyi
Freedom and democracy are dreams you never give up.

Freedom and democracy are dreams you never give up.

Aung San Suu Kyi
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.

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.

Aung San Suu Kyi
Fundamental violations of human rights always lead to people feeling less and less human.

Fundamental violations of human rights always lead to people feeling less and less human.

Aung San Suu Kyi
We want to empower our people; we want to strengthen them; we want to provide them with the kind of qualifications that will enable them to build up their own country themselves.

We want to empower our people; we want to strengthen them; we want to provide them with the kind of qualifications that will enable them to build up their own country themselves.

Aung San Suu Kyi
I wish people wouldn't think of me as a saint - unless they agree with the definition of a saint that a saint's a sinner who goes on trying.

I wish people wouldn't think of me as a saint - unless they agree with the definition of a saint that a saint's a sinner who goes on trying.

Aung San Suu Kyi
I've always been strongly on the side of non-violence.

I've always been strongly on the side of non-violence.

Aung San Suu Kyi
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.

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.

Aung San Suu Kyi
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.

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.

Aung San Suu Kyi
The best way to help Burma is to empower the people of Burma, to help us have enough self-confidence to obtain what we want for ourselves.

The best way to help Burma is to empower the people of Burma, to help us have enough self-confidence to obtain what we want for ourselves.

Aung San Suu Kyi
There is a time to be quiet and a time to talk.

There is a time to be quiet and a time to talk.

Aung San Suu Kyi
I don't think of myself as unbreakable. Perhaps I'm just rather flexible and adaptable.

I don't think of myself as unbreakable. Perhaps I'm just rather flexible and adaptable.

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

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

Aung San Suu Kyi
For me, 'revolution' simply means radical change.

For me, 'revolution' simply means radical change.

Aung San Suu Kyi
Even one voice can be heard loudly all over the world in this day and age.

Even one voice can be heard loudly all over the world in this day and age.

Aung San Suu Kyi
Human beings the world over need freedom and security that they may be able to realize their full potential.

Human beings the world over need freedom and security that they may be able to realize their full potential.

Aung San Suu Kyi
We always think that everybody can do a little bit more, if not a lot more.

We always think that everybody can do a little bit more, if not a lot more.

Aung San Suu Kyi

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.

Aung San Suu Kyi
Sanctions are not really an economic weapon.

Sanctions are not really an economic weapon.

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.

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
It is often in the name of cultural integrity as well as social stability and national security that democratic reforms based on human rights are resisted by authoritarian governments.

It is often in the name of cultural integrity as well as social stability and national security that democratic reforms based on human rights are resisted by authoritarian governments.

Aung San Suu Kyi
I've always tried to explain democracy is not perfect. But it gives you a chance to shape your own destiny.

I've always tried to explain democracy is not perfect. But it gives you a chance to shape your own destiny.

Aung San Suu Kyi
If you do nothing you get nothing.

If you do nothing you get nothing.

Aung San Suu Kyi
If I were the blushing kind, I would blush to be called a hero.

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

Aung San Suu Kyi

If you look at the democratic process as a game of chess, there have to be many, many moves before you get to checkmate. And simply because you do not make any checkmate in three moves does not mean it's stalemate. There's a vast difference between no checkmate and stalemate. This is what the democratic process is like.

Aung San Suu Kyi
Sometimes I think that a parody of democracy could be more dangerous than a blatant dictatorship, because that gives people an opportunity to avoid doing anything about it.

Sometimes I think that a parody of democracy could be more dangerous than a blatant dictatorship, because that gives people an opportunity to avoid doing anything about it.

Aung San Suu Kyi

This was the way I was brought up to think of politics, that politics was to do with ethics, it was to do with responsibility, it was to do with service, so I think I was conditioned to think like that, and I'm too old to change now.

Aung San Suu Kyi
I'm not the only one working for democracy in Burma - there are so many people who have worked for it because they believe that this is the only way we can maintain the dignity of our people.

I'm not the only one working for democracy in Burma - there are so many people who have worked for it because they believe that this is the only way we can maintain the dignity of our people.

Aung San Suu Kyi
The democracy process provides for political and social change without violence.

The democracy process provides for political and social change without violence.

Aung San Suu Kyi
I don't want to be president, but I want to be free to decide whether or not I want to be president of this country.

I don't want to be president, but I want to be free to decide whether or not I want to be president of this country.

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.

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
Whatever help we may want from the international community now or in the future, we want to make sure that this help is tailored to help our people to help themselves.

Whatever help we may want from the international community now or in the future, we want to make sure that this help is tailored to help our people to help themselves.

Aung San Suu Kyi
War is not the only arena where peace is done to death.

War is not the only arena where peace is done to death.

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

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

Aung San Suu Kyi
People keep saying I've changed. I used to be confrontational. But I'm - I haven't changed. It was - it's just that circumstances have changed.

People keep saying I've changed. I used to be confrontational. But I'm - I haven't changed. It was - it's just that circumstances have changed.

Aung San Suu Kyi
The judiciary must be strengthened and released from political interference.

The judiciary must be strengthened and released from political interference.

Aung San Suu Kyi
The Nobel Peace Prize opened up a door in my heart.

The Nobel Peace Prize opened up a door in my heart.

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

Aung San Suu Kyi
Assuming the chairmanship of ASEAN isn't going to do anything about improving the lives of people.

Assuming the chairmanship of ASEAN isn't going to do anything about improving the lives of people.

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

Aung San Suu Kyi
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.

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.

Aung San Suu Kyi
To be forgotten, is to die a little.

To be forgotten, is to die a little.

Aung San Suu Kyi
Fires of suffering and strife are raging around the world.

Fires of suffering and strife are raging around the world.

Aung San Suu Kyi

Burmese authors and artists can play the role that artists everywhere play. They help to mold the outlook of a society - not the whole outlook, and they are not the only ones to mold the outlook of society, but they have an important role to play there.

Aung San Suu Kyi
I've always said that the more coordinated the efforts of the international community are, the better it will be for democracy in Burma.

I've always said that the more coordinated the efforts of the international community are, the better it will be for democracy in Burma.

Aung San Suu Kyi
When the Nobel Committee chose to honor me, the road I had chosen of my own free will became a less lonely path to follow.

When the Nobel Committee chose to honor me, the road I had chosen of my own free will became a less lonely path to follow.

Aung San Suu Kyi
At this age, I should be leading a quiet life.

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

Aung San Suu Kyi

More people, especially young people, are realising that if they want change, they've got to go about it themselves - they can't depend on a particular person, i.e. me, to do all the work. They are less easy to fool than they used to be, they now know what's going on all over the world.

Aung San Suu Kyi

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.

Aung San Suu Kyi
We will not change in matters of policy until such time as dialogue has begun.

We will not change in matters of policy until such time as dialogue has begun.

Aung San Suu Kyi
Democracy is when the people keep a government in check.

Democracy is when the people keep a government in check.

Aung San Suu Kyi
With the right kind of institutions, starting with the rule of law, Burma could progress very quickly.

With the right kind of institutions, starting with the rule of law, Burma could progress very quickly.

Aung San Suu Kyi
It could achieve a lot if everyone in Burma could stop saying something is good if it is not good, or say something is just if it is not just.

It could achieve a lot if everyone in Burma could stop saying something is good if it is not good, or say something is just if it is not just.

Aung San Suu Kyi
The judiciary in Burma is not independent. It's widely known, everybody knows that.

The judiciary in Burma is not independent. It's widely known, everybody knows that.

Aung San Suu Kyi
I am not unaware of the saying that more tears have been shed over wishes granted than wishes denied.

I am not unaware of the saying that more tears have been shed over wishes granted than wishes denied.

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.

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

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
I don't want Burma to be a basket case forever.

I don't want Burma to be a basket case forever.

Aung San Suu Kyi
After all it was my father who founded the Burmese army and I do have a sense of warmth towards the Burmese army.

After all it was my father who founded the Burmese army and I do have a sense of warmth towards the Burmese army.

Aung San Suu Kyi
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 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.

Aung San Suu Kyi
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.

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.

Aung San Suu Kyi
I don't believe in professional dissidents. I think it's just a phase, like adolescence.

I don't believe in professional dissidents. I think it's just a phase, like adolescence.

Aung San Suu Kyi
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.

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
We are not out to boast that there is so much percentage of growth per year. Our real concern is how it affects the lives of people, the future of our country.

We are not out to boast that there is so much percentage of growth per year. Our real concern is how it affects the lives of people, the future of our country.

Aung San Suu Kyi
People must work in unison.

People must work in unison.

Aung San Suu Kyi
No, I was never afraid.

No, I was never afraid.

Aung San Suu Kyi
I was a bit of a coward when I was small. I was terribly frightened of the dark.

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

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

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

Aung San Suu Kyi
I would like to have seen my sons growing up.

I would like to have seen my sons growing up.

Aung San Suu Kyi
Dissidents can't be dissidents forever; we are dissidents because we don't want to be dissidents.

Dissidents can't be dissidents forever; we are dissidents because we don't want to be dissidents.

Aung San Suu Kyi
In the end, I think people prefer the good to win rather than the bad.

In the end, I think people prefer the good to win rather than the bad.

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.

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
Sanctions and boycotts would be tied to serious political dialogue.

Sanctions and boycotts would be tied to serious political dialogue.

Aung San Suu Kyi
All repressive laws must be revoked, and laws introduced to protect the rights of the people.

All repressive laws must be revoked, and laws introduced to protect the rights of the people.

Aung San Suu Kyi
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.

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.

Aung San Suu Kyi
I think when the people in Burma stop thinking about whether or not they're free, it'll mean that they're free.

I think when the people in Burma stop thinking about whether or not they're free, it'll mean that they're free.

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

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

Aung San Suu Kyi
I don't think I have achieved anything that I can really be proud of.

I don't think I have achieved anything that I can really be proud of.

Aung San Suu Kyi
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.

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.

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.

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
I was surprised by the response of young people because there is a perception that those younger than the 1988 generation are not interested in politics.

I was surprised by the response of young people because there is a perception that those younger than the 1988 generation are not interested in politics.

Aung San Suu Kyi
I am prepared to talk with anyone. I have no personal grudge toward anybody.

I am prepared to talk with anyone. I have no personal grudge toward anybody.

Aung San Suu Kyi
I'm feeling a little delicate.

I'm feeling a little delicate.

Aung San Suu Kyi