The Courage to Stand Alone: Letters from Prison and Other Writings

by Wei Jingsheng

Internationally recognized as a major publishing event, The Courage to Stand Alone is a collection of prison writings from the world's most famous political prisoner. Wei Jingsheng, who has spent nearly two decades in prison for "counterrevolutionary" activities, confirms his status as a symbol for Chinese democracy, as he eloquently and fearlessly confronts a regime that not only fails to protect basic human rights but actively violates them. Devoid of ideological rant, the letters to Deng Xiaoping and other officials capture the verve, intelligence, audacity, and mordant humor of a man obstinately struggling to bring freedom to the world's most populous country. Also included are touching letters to his family, excerpts of his groundbreaking political essays, and his moving defense statement at trial.

Genres: China, Biography Memoir, Nonfiction, Politics, Philosophy, Memoir

336 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1997

Reviews

[Adrian Colesberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

His dogged persistence in criticizing the Chinese government has been a constant source of inspiration to me as a writer. If a guy with a heart problem whose teeth are falling out can get it up to write about the difficult issues of his time, so can I.
And his letters to the Chairman are hilarious, absurdist documents without equal.

[Karen Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Took me several tries to finish, but once I did, it was one of the better reads about the real China.

[Jack · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thought provoking letters and essays

[Lewis Weinstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

powerful ... also sad that China could never come close to the goals they articulated

[Christy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

by Wei Jingsheng, 1997

A collection of letters by Wei Jingsheng during his imprisment in China for statements against the communist government asking for democracy in 1979, this book evokes the passion of the Chinese people for civil liberties, particularly freedom of speech. His original activism was courageous and timely, and the following letters over several years are eloquent, intelligent, and bold.

Jingsheng was released in 1997, the same year this book was published. The existence of these letters is miraculous in the face of the censorship of the Chinese government. They are important historical documentation of the fight for human rights in the People’s Republic of China in the last several decades, and would also stand alone as a study in political science.

Link to Wei Jingsheng’s site (further pictures, biography, etc. if you choose ‘English’)

From the publisher:

Brilliant, fearless words on democracy and human rights — written by a man in solitary confinement
Internationally recognized as a major publishing event, The Courage to Stand Alone is a collection of prison writings from the world’s most famous political prisoner.

Wei Jingsheng, who has spent nearly two decades in prison for “counterrevolutionary” activities, confirms his status as a symbol for Chinese democracy, as he eloquently and fearlessly confronts a regime that not only fails to protect basic human rights but actively violates them. Devoid of ideological rant, the letters to Deng Xiaoping and other officials capture the verve, intelligence, audacity, and mordant humor of a man obstinately struggling to bring freedom to the world’s most populous country. Also included are touching letters to his family, excerpts of his groundbreaking political essays, and his moving defense statement at trial.

[L.J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of one man in a fight for democratic ideals in China. A journey of writings from one of China's most famous political dissidents. A very readable and moving account of a man with true convictions and courage. Imagine spending almost 14 years in prison for disagreeing with the government. An extraordinary view from the perspective of the inside line of what being held captive as a subversive in China. After Tianemen Square some Chinese really wanted to change the minds of the Chinese authorities and move forward the universal human rights of democracy in China. But this book shows how extremely rigid and difficult that system is to change. Wei now lives in New York and he is a tremendous voice in dealing with Chinese authoritianism because he lived it like very few. The book is important to read to understand why our freedoms and democratic ideals have allowed us to be in terms of the most important concept of democracy, 'the pursuit of life, liberty and happiness'.

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

A deeply political exploration of the persecution of a great Chinese democratic activist. Not for the faint of heart this is a collection of Wei's letters sent from his "Reform through Labor" camps in the Chinese hinterland. He was asked to wrtite to Chinese political leaders as part of his "re-education" and his sarcasm and sharp political opinions come through with color and wit. He was clearly too smart for his captors, and could clearly outline their double-talk.
Translaing Chinese political documents is challenging and sometimes the text is stilting, so this takes some commitment. I liked the book and would recommend it to any amateur poitical historian.
I was so pleased to go into Wikipedia and discover he is now free and in NY.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a phenomenal memoir. Wei Jingsheng was active in China's Democracy Wall movement with the posting of his "Fifth Modernization" on the wall in 1978. His calls for democracy as a fundamental right landed him a political prison sentence in the Chinese prison camp system. Wei was released as part of the run up to the Beijing Olympics bid. He was able to negotiate the release of his letters written from prison (and never sent by the prison authorities). The book consists of his "Fifth Modernization" essay and the letters from prison, including ones to Deng Xiaoping. If you have an interest in democracy movements, this is well worth reading.