The American experience influenced my understanding of individuality, basic human rights, freedom of expression and the rights and responsibilities of citizens. – Ai Weiwei
The Chinese art world does not exist. In a society that restricts individual freedoms and violates human rights, anything that calls itself creative or independent is a pretence. It is impossible for a totalitarian society to create anything with passion and imagination. – Ai Weiwei
Censorship is saying: Im the one who says the last sentence. Whatever you say, the conclusion is mine. But the internet is like a tree that is growing. The people will always have the last word – even if someone has a very weak, quiet voice. Such power will collapse because of a whisper. – Ai Weiwei
The Birds Nest National Stadium, which I helped to conceive, is designed to embody the Olympic spirit of fair competition. It tells people that freedom is possible but needs fairness, courage and strength. – Ai Weiwei
I had the closest thing I have ever had to an out-of-body experience lying in bed one morning. I turned on the Today programme and item four on the news was: The shadow chancellor has ruled himself out of the leadership. I lay there thinking thats interesting, then I realised it was me. – George Osborne