Many of life's failures are people who don't realize how close they were to success when they gave up.

Self-respect knows no considerations.

I felt we must separate political responsibility. The Dalai Lama should not carry that burden. So that is my selfish reason - to protect the old Dalai Lama tradition. It is safer without political involvement.

Freedom is not worth having if it does not connote freedom to err.

If I had remained in Lhasa, even without the Chinese occupation, I would probably have carried the ceremonial role in some orthodox way.

Even when laws have been written down, they ought not always to remain unaltered.

Standing in support of children is something we should all be able to get behind, regardless of party affiliation.

Confession of errors is like a broom which sweeps away the dirt and leaves the surface brighter and clearer. I feel stronger for confession.

If something can corrupt you, you're corrupted already.

I'm an optimist in the sense that I believe humans are noble and honorable, and some of them are really smart. I have a very optimistic view of individuals.

My aim is to create a happy society with genuine friendship. Friendship between Tibetan and Chinese people is very essential.

Even when a person has all of life's comforts - good food, good shelter, a companion - he or she can still become unhappy when encountering a tragic situation.