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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
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Freedom from fear is essential for personal and societal growth.

Aung San Suu Kyi emphasizes the importance of overcoming fear and apathy to foster strong democratic institutions. She suggests that true freedom encompasses not only the absence of fear but also the empowerment of individuals to think and act constructively for the betterment of society.

Themes

FreedomFearDemocracyApathyEmpowerment

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in a speech about civil rights and the importance of personal courage.

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People ask me about what sacrifices I've made. I always answer: I've made no sacrifices, I've made choices.
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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.
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My top priority is for people to understand that they have the power to change things themselves.
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If you want to bring an end to long-standing conflict, you have to be prepared to compromise.
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Where there is no justice there can be no secure peace.
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