Long time Quote by Gao Xingjian
““At the height of the Cultural Revolution, rather than risk having to face dire consequences for his accumulated writings, he burned several kilos of manuscripts (ten plays, and many short stories, poems, and essays). For him it was an ordeal to part with what he had written. Moreover, it took a long time to burn so much paper without creating smoke and arousing suspicions.””
About This Quote
Source Memoir: Nocturnal Thoughts by Gao Xingjian, 1995
He burned his own manuscripts to avoid persecution, highlighting the painful sacrifice of artistic expression under oppressive regimes.
In simple terms: He destroyed his work to stay safe.
Key Takeaway
Protect your values despite risk.
Themes
censorship
art
politics
Mood
somber
thoughtful
Type
historical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- authoritarian societies
- artistic communities
- personal sacrifice
Key Concepts
self‑preservation
creative loss
Questions to Reflect On
- What would you sacrifice for safety?
- How does censorship affect creativity?
A Different Perspective
The loss of cultural heritage can be irreversible.
