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Aung San Suu Kyi (1945- ), daughter of the late leader of the Burmese nationalist movement, has gained prominence in her own right as the leader of the pro-democracy movement in her home country. The co-founder of Burma's National League for Democracy, which has worked hard for civilian government in the country, Aung San Suu Kyi has electrified Burma with her passionate speeches for democracy and human rights. She was placed under house arrest by her country's military rulers in 1989.
Quoted: Fearlessness may be a gift, but perhaps more precious is the courage acquired through endeavour, courage that comes from cultivating the habit of refusing to let fear dictate one's actions, courage that could be described as "grace under pressure" -- grace which is renewed repeatedly in the face of harsh, unremitting pressure.
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.
It is man's vision of a world fit for rational, civilised humanity that leads him to dare and to suffer to build societies free from want and fear. Concepts such as truth, justice, and compassion cannot be dismissed.
~ The Gift of Grace Under Pressure ~
New Statesman & Society, October 11, 1991
