Top 48 Quotes by Tahar Ben Jelloun

In the Arab world, there is no link between the cultural habits of peoples and the ways of thinking and creating of modern intellectuals. They are two separate worlds.

I do not use the language of my people. I can take liberties with certain themes which the Arabic language would not allow me to take.

We have no Arab intellectuals of international stature because we live in a state of generalized mediocrity. We are suspended in the pit without touching the bottom.

Real friendship, like real poetry, is extremely rare - and precious as a pearl.

Emigration is no longer a solution; it's a defeat. People are risking death, drowning every day, but they're knocking on doors that are not open.

I am a Moroccan writer of French expression.

I read a poem every night, as others read a prayer.

To lead a country, you must periodically hold a national consultation in which people representing different programmes can make a bid for power.