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Freedom from Fear (By Aung San Suu Kyi)

<< June | May 2005 | April >>

And Other Writings

“There is a Burmese proverb that cautions people from giving up ancient usages. While there is wisdom in refraining from implementing change merely for the sake of change, clinging to old ways solely for the sake of their antiquity is obviously equally futile.”

- Aung San Suu Kyi, in Freedom from Fear

Freedom Fear is a collection of essays by and about Aung San Suu Kyi, leader and symbol of Burma's fight for freedom. Edited by her late husband, Michael Aris, the book includes eloquent essays about democracy and freedom. The first section takes a bit of work, as it provides mostly historical context and examples of Suu Kyi's scholarship. Entries include a nice piece on her father, the "My Country and People" text published as a children's book, and two pieces on literature and intellectualism in Burma. One of these, "Intellectual Life in Burma and India Under Colonialism" has been praised as one of Suu Kyi's best literary contributions.

Section II is the heart of the book. My two favorite essays include a piece entitled "In Quest of Democracy" and the eponymous "Freedom from Fear." Both essays are well written and superbly argued; they're also brief, making them great pieces for arguing/communicating the merits of freedom and democracy. Her discussion of fear as the root of corruption is insightful. Section II also includes a number of letters written by Suu Kyi as she began to take on a political role within her country.

Finally, the last section includes four biographical/anecdotal pieces written by friends and political analysts. While all convey great respect for the Burmese leader, a piece by Josef Silverstein includes interesting questions about Suu Kyi's readiness to ascend the throne of Burmese government. This book, particularly the content of Section II, provides clear evidence of Suu Kyi's wisdom and leadership appeal. She seems about as perfect as any human being alive: disciple of Gandhi and Martin Luther King, well educated, well spoken, compassionate, brave, and genuinely good. Aung San Suu Kyi – like her father the beloved "Bogyoke" – is an inspiring advocate of freedom and democracy worthy of our admiration. (Do note however: that she is worthy of admiration and perhaps "as perfect as any human being alive" does not make her infallible. As Burmese activists work to transform her dream into reality, this fact should not be forgotten.)

If you haven't already seen it, don't miss this composite entry describing Aung San Suu Kyi in greater detail.

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