I think my stance and my way of life is my most important art.
Ai WeiweiRead
Self-censorship is insulting to the self. Timidity is a hopeless way forward.
Interpretation
Self-censorship undermines one's integrity, and being timid leads to stagnation.
In this quote, Ai Weiwei emphasizes the importance of authenticity and bravery in self-expression. He suggests that holding back one's thoughts and opinions due to fear or timidity not only disrespects one's true self but also leads to an unproductive and stagnant existence. Genuine progress requires courage in voicing oneβs beliefs and challenging societal norms.
In practice
During a speech on free speech, one might use this quote to emphasize the importance of being true to oneself.
I think my stance and my way of life is my most important art.
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.
The American experience influenced my understanding of individuality, basic human rights, freedom of expression and the rights and responsibilities of citizens.
I'm a pretty open book, so not being out publicly felt inauthentic. Hopefully we can get to a point where your personal life isn't anybody else's business, but until then, it's less about people having to know about your sexuality than standing up for what's right and fighting for equality.
We live in a country where people still get beaten to death because of their sexual orientation.
It is in the power of everybody, with a little courage, to hold out a hand to someone different, to listen, to attempt to increase, by even a tiny amount, the quantity of kindness and humanity in the world.
After the war, they took Army dogs and rehabilitated them for civilian life. But they turned soldiers into civilians immediately, and let em sink or swim.
I decided I was a feminist and this seemed uncomplicated to me. But my recent research has shown me that feminism has become an unpopular word. Apparently I am among the ranks of women whose expressions are seen as too strong, too aggressive, isolating, anti-men and, unattractive.
I challenged God. I said, 'God, I know that I'm a sinner. I know that I won't probably have peace until You're in my heart. But I will not let You in my heart until You answer me, why? Why did you take my arms and legs? Why didn't You give me what everybody else has? God, until You answer me that question, I will not serve You.'
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.