People ask me about what sacrifices I've made. I always answer: I've made no sacrifices, I've made choices.
Aung San Suu KyiRead
A most insidious form of fear is that which masquerades as common sense or even wisdom, condemning as foolish, reckless, insignificant or futile the small, daily acts of courage which help to preserve man's self-respect and inherent human dignity.
Interpretation
Fear often disguises itself as common sense, preventing us from recognizing and valuing small acts of courage.
This quote by Aung San Suu Kyi highlights the subtle yet dangerous nature of fear, which can present itself as reasonable judgment. It warns against the internal and societal pressures that deem small acts of bravery as trivial or foolish, underscoring the importance of these actions in maintaining self-respect and dignity in humanity.
In practice
In a motivational speech about overcoming obstacles, one might reference this quote to inspire others to act courageously despite societal pressures.
People ask me about what sacrifices I've made. I always answer: I've made no sacrifices, I've made choices.
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 know it's easier to portray a world filled with cynicism and anger, where problems are solved with violence...It's an easy out. What's a whole lot tougher is to offer alternatives, to present other ways conflicts can be resolved, and to show you can have a positive impact on your world. To do that, you have to put yourself out on a limb, take chances, and run the risk of being called a do-gooder.
Those who do nothing are inviting shame as well as violence. Those who act boldly are recognizing right as well as reality.
Flying is the only active profession I would ever continue with enthusiasm after the War.
Whatever the white man has done, we have done, and often better.
My voice went recently, never happened before, off like a tap. I had to sit in silence for nine days, chalkboard around my neck. Like an old-school mime. Like a kid in the naughty corner. Like a Victorian mute.
You could be a victim, you could be a hero, you could be a villain, or you could be a fugitive. But you could not just stand by. If you were in Europe between 1933 and 1945, you had to be something.
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