“Technology is a liberation. I think the information age probably is the best thing to happen to the human race in human evolution.”

I was in the most restricted prison in China, the most tough. The design of the prison is modeled for internal crimes of the Communist party, so it’s like a mafia family’s law. It’s independent to the law this nation openly applies.

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.

It is not wealth one asks for, but just enough to preserve one’s dignity, to work unhampered, to be generous, frank and independent.

Colour as perceived by us is a function of three independent variables at least three are I think sufficient, but time will show if I thrive.

The ideal of helping is to make others independent of you. You help them to become more independent rather than making them addicted to you.

Millions of Americans are standing up and saying, ‘We want our country back!’ Republicans, Democrats, Independents, will not go down the path of Greece, we will not go quietly into the night.

I have an independent investment adviser that has full discretionary authority on my accounts. I do not direct any trades.

Temperamentally, I am suspicious of belonging to anything. When I ran for office, I debated seriously whether or not to run as an independent because I was not eager to be saddled with the Democratic Party, because any party label is committing.

The essence of science is independent thinking, hard work, and not equipment.

It is surprising to notice that even from the earliest age, man finds the greatest satisfaction in feeling independent. The exalting feeling of being sufficient to oneself comes as a revelation.