10 Quotes by Wang Anyi

The base of the wall is still there, entrenched. Almost an inch high, it sticks up from the ground in stubborn silence.

Lane 499 is just as cramped and rough as ever. There are more children in the lane now and it is even more crowded and noisy than before. But no matter how tightly they are packed in, they never go to lane 501 anymore to play or make trouble.

In Lane 501, the sealed off rooms have been reopened. . . . And the iron gates are once again tightly shut.

She had naturally high aspirations, but having come to terms with the limitations imposed by her environment, she developed a habit of splashing cold water on her hopes.

By nature domineering, she had furthermore been brought up with a strong sense of entitlement. Circumstances had forced her to be tolerant for a while, but it was not a situation she could live with in the long run.

Being extra nice to someone can be a form of manipulation--kindness is an exercise of power in its own right.

In the early evening, when the lights came on, you could see in all the windows the watchful eyes of frightened people looking out for signs of trouble. But whenever something bad did happen, no one ever saw it coming.

Wherever fate lands you, you look for something interesting and enjoy it as best as you can. Maybe that's what makes life interesting.

A man's destination must be happiness, not misery.