Tahar Ben Jelloun

I am a guest of the French language. My poems in French are born of my interaction with the French language, which is not the same as that of a French poet.

I'd thought sexuality was instinctive or natural, but it's profoundly linked to inner security and cultural context.

In Morocco, it's possible to see the Atlantic and the Mediterranean at the same time.

Before I die, I will preach to the Muslims in the Arab world. I will preach in Egypt, Lebanon, Syria and Iran. I will preach in Tehran. I will do it under the umbrella of God. And see its impact.

We define ourselves as intelligent. That's odd, because we're doing the definition - We're creating our own definition and saying, 'We are intelligent!'

My perspective is cultural and world-based. It's always been a global perspective.