In his 60 years as a politician, 31 of them as Prime Minister, Mr Lee delivered thousands of speeches. This book contains 33 that stand out because they are the clearest and most hard-hitting on issues he considered of fundamental importance – race, language, good government, defence, talent and succession. Some mark milestones on Singapore’s journey to independence and success. Others are plain inspiring because Mr Lee speaks of facing life with courage and fighting for what one believes in. This selection was made after consulting SPH editors past and present, including Cheong Yip Seng, Patrick Daniel and Han Fook Kwang.