I hope that I will be the last victim in China's long record of treating words as crimes.
Liu XiaoboRead
For those of us in the opposition movement under dictatorships, part of our job is confronting police and spending time in prison. So, a dissident not only needs to learn how to oppose oppression but also how to face the crackdowns and time in prison.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote highlights the struggles faced by dissidents under oppressive regimes, emphasizing the need for courage in the face of adversity.
Liu Xiaobo's quote underscores the harsh realities that individuals in opposition movements must confront when challenging authoritarian governments. It speaks to the dual responsibilities of dissidents: not only must they learn to advocate for freedom and justice, but they must also be prepared to endure the repercussions of their actions, including arrest and imprisonment. This highlights the bravery and resilience required to stand against oppression.
Themes
OppressionDissidentCourageDictatorshipFreedom
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used during a rally to inspire activists.
More from Liu Xiaobo
All quotes →Free expression is the base of human rights, the root of human nature and the mother of truth. To kill free speech is to insult human rights, to stifle human nature and to suppress truth.
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In order to exercise the right to freedom of speech conferred by the Constitution, one should fulfill the social responsibility of a Chinese citizen.
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Ultimately, change will happen when problems persist and enough people are concerned.
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There is no force that can put an end to the human quest for freedom, and China will, in the end, become a nation ruled by law, where human rights reign supreme.
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If there has been any progress in the Chinese society and politics over the last 20 years, it is all because the citizens have been pushing for change.
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