After the Tiananmen Massacre, I felt compelled not only to continue writing but to actively resist the restrictions placed on freedom of speech. I set up the publishing company in Hong Kong, with offices in Shenzhen in mainland China, and managed to publish works of fiction, philosophy, and politics by unapproved authors.
Interpretation
This quote reflects the importance of standing up for freedom of expression even in the face of oppression.
Ma Jian's quote highlights the resilience and determination to uphold freedom of speech despite the brutal repression experienced during the Tiananmen Massacre. His decision to establish a publishing company in Hong Kong, aimed at providing a platform for unapproved authors, signifies a courageous commitment to promote diverse voices and ideas in the face of governmental censorship.
In practice
In a public lecture on the importance of free speech.
To become self-aware, people must be allowed to hear a plurality of opinions and then make up their own minds. They must be allowed to say, write and publish whatever they want. Freedom of expression is the most basic, but fundamental, right. Without it, human beings are reduced to automatons.
Before the counter-culture revolutionary Li Lian was executed in 1971 for criticising the Cultural Revolution, pour policemen pushed her face against the window of a truck, lifted her shirt and cut out her kidneys with a surgical knife,’ Mau Sen said, his face stony and white. ‘I think that removing the organs of convicts while they are still alive is too much. It completely contravenes medical ethics.’ ‘This is a dissection class, not a political meeting,’ Sun Chunlin said.
For sure, there are times when one may have no choice but to go to war, but it is never something to rush to or accept without exploring every other available option.
It is the first law of practical courage. To be in the weakest camp is to be in the strongest school.
All of them turned their backs on me at that time because they thought I was a troublemaker.
I have survived. I am here. Confused, screwed up, but here. So, how can I find my way? Is there a chain saw of the soul, an ax I can take to my memories or fears?
Alas, not me, lord!" she said. "Shadow lies on me still. Look not to me for healing! I am a shieldmaiden and my hand is ungentle.
My old man says when it's time to be counted, the important thing is to be man enough to stand up.
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