21 Aung San Suu Kyi Motivational Quotes That Inspires You

Aung San Suu Kyi (1945-present)

Aung San Suu Kyi is a well known and political figure in Myanmar’s modern history. She was awarded by Nobel Peace Prize in 1991. Aung San Suu Kyi’s journey captures both the triumphs and tragedies of Myanmar’s struggle for democracy. Once revered as a moral icon, she navigated complex ethical and political challenges, especially amid the Rohingya crisis. Currently confined under house arrest, her fate and influence are deeply tied to Myanmar’s uncertain political future.

Early Life & Education

Aung San Suu Kyi was born on June 19, 1945, in Rangoon (Yangon), the daughter of General Aung San, the leader of Burma’s independence movement, and Khin Kyi, a prominent diplomat. After her father’s assassination in 1947, she was raised in a politically aware environment. She studied in India and later at Oxford University, earning a degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics. Suu Kyi married Michael Aris, a British scholar, and had two sons. Her global education and upbringing deeply shaped her democratic ideals and nonviolent philosophy.

Entry into Politics & Rise as Pro-Democracy Leader

In 1988, Suu Kyi returned to Myanmar during political unrest and quickly emerged as a leader of the National League for Democracy (NLD). Influenced by Gandhi and Buddhist values, she promoted nonviolence and democratic reform. Despite winning the 1990 elections, the military refused to cede power, and Suu Kyi was placed under house arrest. Her peaceful resistance gained global support and turned her into an international symbol of democracy.

Nobel Peace Prize & Global Recognition

In 1991, while under house arrest, Suu Kyi was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her nonviolent struggle for human rights. She donated the prize money to health and education projects in Myanmar. Over the years, she received numerous global honors and became an icon of peaceful resistance, often compared to figures like Nelson Mandela and MLK.

Political Leadership & Government Role

After years of isolation, Suu Kyi and the NLD participated in the 2015 elections, winning a majority. Since she was constitutionally barred from becoming president, she assumed the role of State Counsellor, effectively leading the government from 2016 to 2021. During her tenure, she focused on national reconciliation, economic development, and rebuilding democratic institutions.

Rohingya Crisis & International Criticism

Suu Kyi’s international reputation suffered during the Rohingya crisis (2017), when Myanmar’s military was accused of committing atrocities against the Muslim minority. She defended the military’s actions and denied genocide claims at the International Court of Justice, which led to widespread global condemnation and loss of some honors.

Military Coup & Detainment

On February 1, 2021, Suu Kyi was detained during a military coup that overthrew the elected NLD government. She faced multiple legal charges seen as politically motivated and was sentenced to over 30 years in prison. In 2024, she was moved to house arrest due to health concerns, but remains largely out of public view.

Legacy

Aung San Suu Kyi’s legacy is complex,she remains a key figure in Myanmar’s democratic struggle but is also criticized for her role during the Rohingya crisis. Despite the controversies, her decades-long commitment to nonviolence and political reform has left a lasting mark on the country’s history.

1. "You should never let your fears prevent you from doing what you know is right."

2. "The only real prison is fear, and the only real freedom is freedom from fear."

3. "It is not power that corrupts, but fear."

4. "If you're feeling helpless, help someone."

5. "Revolution is not a one-time event. It is a continuous process."

6. "Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the strength to keep going in spite of fear."

7. "To live the full life, one must have the courage to bear the responsibility of the needs of others."

8. "You cannot hope to build a better world without improving the individuals."

9. "The basis of democratic freedom is the right of the people to decide their own future."

10. "Real change doesn’t come from violence; it comes from peace, patience, and persistence."

11. "Peace does not mean just to stop wars, but also to stop oppression and injustice."

12. "I don't hold to nonviolence for moral reasons, but for political and practical reasons."

13. "Democracy is when the people keep a government in check."

14. "Without freedom, there is no such thing as a civilized nation."

15. "Freedom and democracy are dreams you never give up on."

16. "The people will only follow someone they can trust."

17. "Humility allows you to learn from your failures."

18. "Our struggle is a spiritual one as well as a political one."

19. "If you want to bring about change, you have to be prepared to go through struggle."

20. "Kindness can change the hardest heart and move the strongest hand."

21. "We will surely get to our destination if we join hands."