In fact, I am myself surprised. Even the guards were surprised. I think there are many reasons for my endurance, but here is the overriding reason. In 1995, after I had been re-arrested, I was chatting casually with a guard, and he asked me a question that reminded me of what gave me strength. Once you have understood that you have dedicated yourself to a just cause, mental and physical torture can make you say that you were wrong, but there is no way torture can change what you think inside yourself.
Truth is truth.
Once you understand this, nothing can erase it from your heart. The guard thought for a few moments, but could not think of any argument. I suddenly realised that my determination to help others was the great cause which had been helping me to withstand physical and mental suffering and helped me maintain my optimism and strength. Once I realised this point, I became aware that I could not shake off my life-long responsibility to other people. This gave me the power to overcome difficulties.