Nationality started as something natural, but we should not be restrained by the old politics that make up these clear lines. It should have its own way of evolving. In some places, it will evolve slower and in others, faster.
AI WEIWEIIn a society like this there is no negotiation, no discussion, except to tell you that power can crush you any time they want — not only you, your whole family and all people like you.
More Ai Weiwei Quotes
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I came back [to Beijing ] because that’s the only time I had an excuse to come back, or otherwise I would never have a reason to come back.
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He will still mean danger. Modern technology requires calm. You shouldn’t trust anyone with a car who has no knowledge about vehicles or roads.
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I never really read Allen Ginsberg poetry, even though I have a book he gave me.
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I’m totally independent. I don’t bear any responsibility to any system.
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After I came back [to China], there was still a long period of time when I felt I had nothing to do.
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I think everybody deserves freedom. Freedom is such an abstract word, but it’s all we need.
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Overturning police cars is a super-intense workout. It’s probably the only sport I enjoy.
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Today, the general masses in this society are in this political-social condition that really encourages people to become rich and become a star and be unique.
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I have to respect my life, and free expression is part of my life. I can never really silence myself.
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This is a very general understanding of art in China, that being an artist can make you money and turn you into a star.
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[Being unique] gives so much privilege to people who can make it, rather than having some moral and aesthetic discussions.
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The misconception of totalitarianism is that freedom can be imprisoned. This is not the case. When you constrain freedom, freedom will take flight and land on a windowsill.
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The whole attitude of society has become much more open and realistic. They realize that the only way to make a more democratic and free society is to let different opinions come out.
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The rest of the world understands little about China’s changes and the possibilities and crises that come with them.
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So for too long Americans take liberty as granted. We think we are in the safe hand, the democracy and the liberty, which is not true. And it can be even getting much worse than today.
AI WEIWEI