The American experience influenced my understanding of individuality, basic human rights, freedom of expression and the rights and responsibilities of citizens. – Ai Weiwei
I dont believe in the so-called Olympic spirit. I speak from personal experience. When China hosted the Games, it failed to include the people. The event was constructed without regard for their joy. – Ai Weiwei
As a person, I was born to give out my opinions. By giving out my opinions, I realize who I am. As long as I can communicate, Im not so lonely. If I cannot travel, or do art, or have company, if they take away all my belongings, it doesnt matter at all. – Ai Weiwei
This week, the world gathers in Beijing for the 2008 Olympic games. This is the extraordinary moment China has been dreaming of for 100 years. People have been longing for this moment, because it symbolises a turning point in Chinas relationship with the outside world. – Ai Weiwei
Whoever reads only to transcribe or quote shining remarks without entering into the genius and spirit of the author, will be apt to be misled out of a regular way of thinking, and the product of all this will be found to be a manifest incoherent piece of patchwork. – Attributed to Swift in A Dictionary of Thoughts, Being a Cyclopedia of Laconic Q