Free expression is the base of human rights, the root of human nature and the mother of truth. To kill free speech is to insult human rights, to stifle human nature and to suppress truth.
Liu XiaoboRead
I hope that I will be the last victim in China's long record of treating words as crimes.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote expresses a desire for freedom of expression and an end to the persecution of individuals for their beliefs.
Liu Xiaobo's quote reflects his profound concern for human rights and freedom of speech, particularly in the context of China's political landscape. He hopes that his plight as a victim of repression will be the last, indicating a yearning for a future where individuals can express themselves without fear of punishment. This can be interpreted as both a personal wish and a broader call for change in society's treatment of dissent and the value of open dialogue.
Themes
FreedomExpressionRightsPersecutionChina
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a speech advocating for human rights.
More from Liu Xiaobo
All quotes βIn order to exercise the right to freedom of speech conferred by the Constitution, one should fulfill the social responsibility of a Chinese citizen.
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Ultimately, change will happen when problems persist and enough people are concerned.
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There is no force that can put an end to the human quest for freedom, and China will, in the end, become a nation ruled by law, where human rights reign supreme.
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If there has been any progress in the Chinese society and politics over the last 20 years, it is all because the citizens have been pushing for change.
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For those of us in the opposition movement under dictatorships, part of our job is confronting police and spending time in prison. So, a dissident not only needs to learn how to oppose oppression but also how to face the crackdowns and time in prison.
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