Authority Quote by Ma Jian
“In February of this year I returned to China to research my next book. The authorities know about the novels of mine that have been published in the west, including the latest one, Beijing Coma, about a student shot in Tiananmen Square, but so far have allowed me to return.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Discussing return to China, 2023
The author notes his cautious return to China despite surveillance, highlighting tension between artistic freedom and state control.
In simple terms: Returning home despite risk.
Key Takeaway
Weigh creative freedom against personal safety.
Themes
censorship
political risk
artistic expression
Mood
cautious
determined
Type
political
literary
When to use this quote
- writing research
- publishing
- travel to restrictive regimes
Key Concepts
authoritarianism
exile
literary activism
Questions to Reflect On
- What compromises are acceptable for art?
- How does surveillance affect creativity?
A Different Perspective
Risk of self‑censorship.
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