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 KyiRead
People ask me about what sacrifices I've made. I always answer: I've made no sacrifices, I've made choices.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the distinction between sacrifices and choices in life.
Aung San Suu Kyi highlights the idea that the actions we take in life are often a matter of choice rather than sacrifice. By framing her experiences as choices, she suggests that every decision comes with its own trade-offs but should not be viewed through the lens of loss or giving up something. Instead, embracing choices empowers individuals to take responsibility for their path and the consequences that follow.
In practice
In a motivational speech about decision-making.
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.
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.
My top priority is for people to understand that they have the power to change things themselves.
If you want to bring an end to long-standing conflict, you have to be prepared to compromise.
Where there is no justice there can be no secure peace.
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.
He who loses wealth loses much; he who loses a friend loses more; but he that loses his courage loses all.
We learn to curb our will and keep our overt actions within the bounds of humanity, long before we can subdue our sentiments and imaginations to the same mild tone.
Which is why I am writing this book. To think. To understand. It just happens to be the way I'm made. I have to write things down to feel I fully comprehend them.
Truth derives its strength not so much from itself as from the brilliant contrast it makes with what is only apparently true. This applies especially to Chess, where it is often found that the profoundest moves do not much startle the imagination.
We have come into this exquisite world to experience ever and ever more deeply our divine courage, freedom and light!
At my age, 85, I'm at age where I can look back and derive some conclusions about my actions. My rule has been try to learn, try to understand what happened. Develop the lessons and pass them on.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.