I think my stance and my way of life is my most important art.
Ai WeiweiRead
To survive, China had to open up to the West. It could not survive otherwise. This was after many millions have died of hunger in a country that was like North Korea is today. Once we became part of global competition, we had to agree to some rules. It's painful, but we had to. Otherwise there was no way to survive.
Interpretation
What this quote means
China's survival depended on embracing global competition and changing its approach despite the hardships faced.
This quote by Ai Weiwei emphasizes the necessity of adapting to external pressures for survival, particularly in the context of China's transformation in engaging with the West. It reflects on the painful sacrifices and changes that were required to move from isolation to becoming part of the global economy, illustrating how significant external shifts can influence a nation's fate.
Themes
SurvivalChangeGlobalizationCompetitionSacrifice
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about economic reform, one might cite this quote to illustrate the importance of adapting to global market demands.
More from Ai Weiwei
All quotes →Self-censorship is insulting to the self. Timidity is a hopeless way forward.
Ai WeiweiRead
If there is no free speech, every single life has lived in vain
Ai WeiweiRead
Art is always about overcoming obstacles between the inner condition and the skill for expression.
Ai WeiweiRead
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.
Ai WeiweiRead
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 it’s really useless.
Ai WeiweiRead
Similar quotes
A life can get knocked into a new orbit by a car crash, a lottery win or just a bleary-eyed consultant giving bad news in a calm voice.
David MitchellRead
The biggest political change in my lifetime is that Americans no longer assume that their children will have it better than they did. This is a huge break with the past, with assumptions and traditions that shaped us.
Peggy NoonanRead
We live in a quick-fix society where we need instant gratification for everything. Too fat? Get lipo-sucked. Stringy hair? Glue on extensions. Wrinkles and lines? Head to the beauty shop for a pot of the latest miracle skin stuff. It's all a beautiful £1 billion con foisted upon insecure women by canny cosmetic conglomerates.
Joan CollinsRead
I can't understand why people are frightened of new ideas. I'm frightened of the old ones.
John CageRead
People are really rather afraid that this country might be rather swamped by people with a different culture.
Margaret ThatcherRead
These so-called extremists in Pakistan should be brought into the mainstream; if you marginalize them, you radicalize them.
Imran KhanRead