The most important thing... was to change their spirit; and since at that time I felt that literature was the best means to this end, I decided to promote literary movement.

Revolution is a bitter thing, mixed with filth and blood, not as lovely or perfect as the poets think. It is eminently down to earth, involving many humble, tiresome tasks, not so romantic as the poets think... . So it is easy for all who have romantic dreams about revolution to become disillusioned on closer acquaintance, when a revolution is actually carried out.

If we want to work out a policy for the present, we must examine the past and prepare for the future, discard the material and elevate the spirit, rely on the individual and exclude the mass.

I entreat fresh visions from the painters. Be lavish with your vermilion to portray the mountains in the spring.

It is in the nature of things that some people should be unlucky enough to get their heads chopped off.

I have a dream that I will fulfill. And nothing else will distract me from my path.

The most horrible thing is not a government that stages public executions, but a government that secretly disposes of its victims.