I think my stance and my way of life is my most important art.
Ai WeiweiRead
These are nonviolent people who have lost their freedom simply because they expressed their ideas….In truth, they are heroes of our time.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights individuals who face oppression but remain peaceful in their struggle for freedom, identifying them as modern-day heroes.
Ai Weiwei's quote speaks to the plight of nonviolent individuals who are persecuted for expressing their thoughts and ideas. It underscores the importance of courage in standing up for one's beliefs and suggests that those who suffer such injustices are deserving of admiration and respect, as they embody heroism through their peaceful resistance against oppression.
Themes
FreedomNonviolenceHeroesOppressionExpression
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech addressing human rights, one might use this quote to emphasize the importance of freedom of expression.
More from Ai Weiwei
All quotes →Self-censorship is insulting to the self. Timidity is a hopeless way forward.
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If there is no free speech, every single life has lived in vain
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Art is always about overcoming obstacles between the inner condition and the skill for expression.
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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.
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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.
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