“Man has a tendency to try to give clear reasons to be rational, but often you can see how all those reasons are not convincing and turn out to be a big nonsense.”

I grew up in a desert, which has no kind of imagination.

Being an artist is more of a mindset, a way of seeing things; it is no longer so much about producing something.

We literally lived underground. We dug a hole and lived there for years. My father cleaned public toilets, even though he was a highly respected poet.

As a human being, member of society, you must clearly state your mind. It’s a responsibility. It is the way you identify yourself otherwise you don’t know who you are and why you are here.

During the days in detention, I thought most about the moon.

I have to respect my life, and free expression is part of my life. I can never really silence myself.

Even if there have been setbacks during these past years, China is changing. China’s society is opening.

I always want people to be confused, to be shocked or realize something later.

Freedom of expression is a very essential condition for me to make any art. Also, it is an essential value for my life. I have to protect this right and also to fight for the possibility.

The tragic reality of today is reflected in the true plight of our spiritual existence. We are spineless and cannot stand straight.

The fantasy we had with pearls was always so luxurious and unique with a kind of rareness.

A nation that has no music and no fairytales is a tragedy.

Ordinary people should have the same ability to understand art as anybody else. I don’t think art is elite or mysterious. I don’t think anybody can separate art from politics.

Everyone of us is a potential convict.

My definition of art has always been the same. It is about freedom of expression, a new way of communication. It is never about exhibiting in museums or about hanging it on the wall.

If artists cannot speak up for human dignity or rights, then who else will do it?

How often I found where I should be going only by setting out for somewhere else.

Every man has his secret sorrows which the world knows not; and often times we call a man cold when he is only sad.

Men of genius are often dull and inert in society; as the blazing meteor, when it descends to earth, is only a stone.

A thought often makes us hotter than a fire.

I was the kid a lot of other mothers wouldn’t let you play with.

Intelligence and courtesy not always are combined; Often in a wooden house a golden room we find.

The key to winning is choosing to do God’s will and loving others with all you’ve got.

We used to fight all the time but now that I don’t see him very often I cherish the time I have with him.