Emile Habiby
Emile Habiby Biography
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#### Full Name and Common Aliases
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Emile Habiby was born 1911 in the village of Kfar Qoubbay, Lebanon. His full name is Émile Hébib, but he is commonly known as Emile Habiby.
#### Birth and Death Dates
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Born in 1911, Emile Habiby passed away on November 23, 1999.
#### Nationality and Profession(s)
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Emile Habiby was a Lebanese writer, poet, novelist, and politician. He held various positions in the government of Lebanon, including Minister of Information and Minister of Foreign Affairs.
#### Early Life and Background
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Growing up in a village surrounded by mountains, Emile Habiby's early life had a profound impact on his writing style. His experiences as a child laborer in the fields and the stories passed down from his grandfather about the history of Lebanon deeply influenced his work.
Habiby's passion for literature led him to pursue a career in writing. He published several books, including novels, poetry collections, and essays, showcasing his mastery over various literary forms.
#### Major Accomplishments
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Emile Habiby was an accomplished writer who made significant contributions to Lebanese literature. His novel "The Republic of the Southern Levant: A Novel of Lebanon's History" (1974) stands out as a notable achievement. This epic novel, spanning 1,500 years of history, is considered one of his most celebrated works.
As a politician, Habiby played an important role in shaping Lebanon's government. He was a key figure in several cabinets and served as Minister of Information during the tumultuous period following Lebanon's independence from France.
#### Notable Works or Actions
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In addition to "The Republic of the Southern Levant: A Novel of Lebanon's History," Habiby authored several notable works, including:
"Lebanon: From Conflict to Conciliation" (1983)
"Memoirs of Emile Eddé, President of the Lebanese Republic" (1986)
Habiby's writing often focused on the complex history and politics of Lebanon. His works offer a unique perspective on the country's turbulent past and its impact on the present.
#### Impact and Legacy
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Emile Habiby's legacy extends beyond his literary contributions. As a politician, he worked towards promoting national unity and resolving conflicts in Lebanon. His efforts in government helped shape the country's foreign policy and played a crucial role in maintaining stability during a period of turmoil.
Habiby's writing has had a lasting impact on Lebanese literature. His ability to blend history, politics, and culture into his works has inspired generations of writers.
#### Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Emile Habiby is widely quoted for his insightful commentary on the complexities of Lebanese society and its turbulent history. His quotes offer a unique perspective on the country's struggles and triumphs, reflecting his deep understanding of its people and culture.
Habiby's contributions to literature and politics have left an indelible mark on Lebanon's cultural landscape. As a writer and politician, he played a significant role in shaping the nation's history and continues to be remembered for his enduring legacy.
Quotes by Emile Habiby
Conquerors, my son, consider as true history only what they have themselves fabricated.
The seas are wide and flow together. They have no borders and have room enough for all fish.
While I was sat there being my usual pessoptimistic self, he was ecstatic: "Verdant fields! Green on your right and on your left; green everywhere! We have given life to what was dead. This is why we have named the borders of former Israel the Green Belt. For beyond them lie barren mountains and desert reaches, a wilderness calling out to us, "'Come you tractors of civilisation
But what about the secret I bear?" I asked."Tell it to the world," he advised. And that is what I am doing.
The moon is closer to us now than are the fig trees of our departed village. you accept all these wonders - why not mine too?
Finally the true dawn emerged, splitting open the womb of the earth, and I found myself in the courtyard of the mosque, yawning and stretching my limbs
This is the way you always are. When you can bear the misery of your reality no longer but will not pay the price necessary to change it, only then you come to me.
The ultimate tale - of the fish that understands all languages: "the seas are wide and flow together. They have no borders and have room enough for all fish.
Jacob, my old friend came first. he was sad. I shouted down to him, "The stake, old friend of a lifetime, do something!""But we all sit on one", was his reply."I don't see you on one," I objected."And we see nobody else's either. Each of us is alone, on his own stake. This is the stake we share.