I watched a Vital Voices interview with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi at least three weeks ago. I took notes on the significant points. It didn't occur to me until today that posting my notes would be a good idea.
Q: Why haven’t you taken a rest?
A: It never occurred to me to stop. If you’re committed to a cause, then your commitment should be total.
Q: Was there a moment that you realized that your cause was bigger than you?
A: The cause is bigger than any one individual. To think one is bigger than one's cause is the way to dictatorship. In the end, your work is a matter of service...never think of yourself as a symbol.
Q: Have you though about the weight of the world looking to you as a role model? Is it a burden to be seen as a role model?
A: No, because I don’t have much time to think about it. It’s not a great burden but it’s not something I’m terribly enthusiastic about. I think people should have many role models, not just one.
Q: What is your message to young people?
A: Be positive. It’s not just getting rid of what you don’t like. I would like young people to be positive in their ambitions. One always worries about the increasing materialism in the world. I want young ppl to be aware of the fact that money is as much a danger as drugs.
Q: One thing you want to leave behind as your legacy/imprint?
A: I think in a simple way. I would like people to accept that I have done my duty. “She never shirked her responsibility. She did her best.”
Q: Message to women who are on the front lines of change but get tired?
A: They need a support group. I don’t want them to give up hope. You can’t do everything on your own. It is wrong to have that kind of pride. Use your power in the right way, starting with the way your kids grow up.![]()
Q: Why haven’t you taken a rest?
A: It never occurred to me to stop. If you’re committed to a cause, then your commitment should be total.
Q: Was there a moment that you realized that your cause was bigger than you?
A: The cause is bigger than any one individual. To think one is bigger than one's cause is the way to dictatorship. In the end, your work is a matter of service...never think of yourself as a symbol.
Q: Have you though about the weight of the world looking to you as a role model? Is it a burden to be seen as a role model?
A: No, because I don’t have much time to think about it. It’s not a great burden but it’s not something I’m terribly enthusiastic about. I think people should have many role models, not just one.
Q: What is your message to young people?
A: Be positive. It’s not just getting rid of what you don’t like. I would like young people to be positive in their ambitions. One always worries about the increasing materialism in the world. I want young ppl to be aware of the fact that money is as much a danger as drugs.
Q: One thing you want to leave behind as your legacy/imprint?
A: I think in a simple way. I would like people to accept that I have done my duty. “She never shirked her responsibility. She did her best.”
Q: Message to women who are on the front lines of change but get tired?
A: They need a support group. I don’t want them to give up hope. You can’t do everything on your own. It is wrong to have that kind of pride. Use your power in the right way, starting with the way your kids grow up.
