Candidates must figure on the short-list at least two years running to win,

ranks higher and is remembered longer.

If this was not so, then we would not have been ready.

He did not say many words. He was very happy.

It’s been a long time since the prize has gone to someone like that. Esthetic literature has dominated because, I think, the modernist trend has been to frown upon scientific literature,

That’s not something we took into consideration. But it’s not something that is held against him either.

I think it is safe to say that ‘Soul Mountain’ is one of the most remarkable creations of modern literature, not only in Chinese.

I think he is unassailable from a literary point of view, … On the other hand, there may be some people who think he’s too established.

This very possibly has something to do with the fact that this week the academy will announce this year’s winner, … He knows nothing about the discussion that led to the choice of Elfriede Jelinek,...

Since then his chair has been vacant, with the exception of three or four casual visits, mostly on holidays.