I think my stance and my way of life is my most important art.
Ai WeiweiRead
The American experience influenced my understanding of individuality, basic human rights, freedom of expression and the rights and responsibilities of citizens.
Interpretation
The American experience shaped Ai Weiwei's views on individual rights and freedoms.
This quote reflects how the social and political landscapes of America have significantly impacted Ai Weiwei's beliefs regarding personal identity and civic responsibilities. By observing the way American society values individuality and freedom of expression, he has developed a deeper understanding of the importance of these concepts in advocating for human rights and the duties that come with citizenship.
In practice
In a speech about the importance of freedom during a civil rights rally.
I think my stance and my way of life is my most important art.
Self-censorship is insulting to the self. Timidity is a hopeless way forward.
If there is no free speech, every single life has lived in vain
Art is always about overcoming obstacles between the inner condition and the skill for expression.
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.
I am very much interested in the so-called useless object. I mean, it takes perfect craftsmanship, beautiful material carefully measured and crafted, but at the same time itβs really useless.
Our aim in studying the Godhead must be to know God himself better. Our concern must be to enlarge our acquaintance, not simply with the doctrine of Godβs attributes, but with the living God whose attributes they are.
One might call habit a moral friction: something that prevents the mind from gliding over things but connects it with them and makes it hard for it to free itself from them.
I have not loved the world, nor the world me, but let us part fair foes; I do believe, though I have found them not, that there may be words which are things, hopes which will not deceive, and virtues which are merciful, or weave snares for the failing: I would also deem o'er others' griefs that some sincerely grieve; that two, or one, are almost what they seem, that goodness is no name, and happiness no dream.
Almost anything that you pay close, direct attention to becomes interesting.
So one time when I was working in this motel one of the toilets leaked and I had to replace the flapper ball. Here's what it said on the package; I kept it till I knew it by heart: 'Please Note. Parts are included for all installations, but no installation requires all of the parts.' That's kind of my philosophy about men. I don't think there's an installation out there that could use all my parts.
Give obedience where 'tis truly owed.
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