NM

Naguib Mahfouz

180quotes

Biography of Naguib Mahfouz


Full Name and Common Aliases

Full Name: Naguib Mahfouz Abdelaziz Ibrahim Ahmed Al-Basha
Common Aliases: Naguib Mahfouz

Birth and Death Dates

Born: December 11, 1911
Died: August 30, 2006

Nationality and Profession(s)

Nationality: Egyptian
Profession(s): Novelist, Screenwriter, Playwright

Early Life and Background

Naguib Mahfouz was born in the bustling district of Gamaliya in Cairo, Egypt, a city that would later become the vibrant backdrop for much of his literary work. As the youngest of seven children in a middle-class family, Mahfouz was raised in a traditional Islamic household. His father, a civil servant, instilled in him a sense of discipline and respect for education. Mahfouz's early years were marked by the rich cultural tapestry of Cairo, a city teeming with history and modernity, which profoundly influenced his worldview and writing.

Mahfouz attended Cairo University, where he studied philosophy, graduating in 1934. His academic background in philosophy is evident in the existential themes and deep character studies that permeate his novels. After university, Mahfouz worked in various governmental departments, including the Ministry of Religious Endowments and the Ministry of Culture, which provided him with a stable income and the opportunity to pursue his passion for writing.

Major Accomplishments

Naguib Mahfouz's literary career spanned over seven decades, during which he published more than 30 novels, over 350 short stories, and numerous screenplays and plays. His major accomplishment came in 1988 when he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, making him the first Arab writer to receive this prestigious honor. The Nobel Committee recognized Mahfouz for his rich and complex narratives that explore the human condition and the social and political issues of his time.

Notable Works or Actions

Mahfouz is best known for his Cairo Trilogy, consisting of the novels "Palace Walk," "Palace of Desire," and "Sugar Street." These works provide a panoramic view of Egyptian society from the 1920s to the 1950s, chronicling the lives of the Abd al-Jawad family. The trilogy is celebrated for its intricate character development and its vivid depiction of Cairo's social and political landscape.

Another notable work is "Children of Gebelawi" (also known as "Children of the Alley"), a novel that sparked controversy for its allegorical portrayal of religious themes. The book was banned in Egypt for many years, yet it remains a critical piece of literature that challenges readers to reflect on the nature of faith and authority.

Impact and Legacy

Naguib Mahfouz's impact on literature and culture extends far beyond the borders of Egypt. His works have been translated into numerous languages, introducing global audiences to the complexities of Egyptian life and the universal themes of love, power, and identity. Mahfouz's storytelling is characterized by its deep empathy for human struggles and its insightful commentary on societal norms.

His legacy is not only preserved in his extensive body of work but also in the way he paved the way for future generations of Arab writers. Mahfouz's success demonstrated that stories rooted in local culture and history could resonate with readers worldwide, encouraging other writers to explore their own cultural narratives.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered

Naguib Mahfouz is widely quoted and remembered for his profound insights into the human psyche and his ability to articulate the intricacies of life in a rapidly changing society. His quotes often reflect his philosophical background and his keen observation of human nature. Mahfouz's words continue to inspire readers and writers alike, offering wisdom on topics ranging from love and family to politics and religion.

His ability to weave complex narratives that address both personal and societal issues has cemented his place as a literary giant. Mahfouz's work remains relevant today, as it captures the timeless struggles and triumphs of humanity, making his quotes and stories enduring sources of reflection and inspiration.

Quotes by Naguib Mahfouz

Naguib Mahfouz's insights on:

Sadat made us feel more secure.
"
Sadat made us feel more secure.
NM
Every inch a person’s body travels on the road of separation seems like miles to the heart.
"
Every inch a person’s body travels on the road of separation seems like miles to the heart.
NM
I defend both the freedom of expression and society’s right to counter it. I must pay the price for differing. It is the natural way of things.
"
I defend both the freedom of expression and society’s right to counter it. I must pay the price for differing. It is the natural way of things.
NM
How could the prisoner break his chains? I pictured a world, a righteous world, with no sin, no bonds, no social obligations; a world throbbing with creativity, innovation, and thought, nothing else; a world of dedicated solitude, without father, mother, wife, or child; a world where a man could travel lightly, immersed in art alone.
"
How could the prisoner break his chains? I pictured a world, a righteous world, with no sin, no bonds, no social obligations; a world throbbing with creativity, innovation, and thought, nothing else; a world of dedicated solitude, without father, mother, wife, or child; a world where a man could travel lightly, immersed in art alone.
NM
Beauty itself is a painful convulsion in the heart, an abundance of vitality in the soul, and a mad chase undertaken by the spirit until it encounters the heavens.
"
Beauty itself is a painful convulsion in the heart, an abundance of vitality in the soul, and a mad chase undertaken by the spirit until it encounters the heavens.
NM
I reject any path which rejects life, but I can’t help loving Sufism because it sounds so beautiful. It gives relief in the midst of battle.
"
I reject any path which rejects life, but I can’t help loving Sufism because it sounds so beautiful. It gives relief in the midst of battle.
NM
No blasphemy harms Islam and Muslims so much as the call for murdering a writer.
"
No blasphemy harms Islam and Muslims so much as the call for murdering a writer.
NM
When we’re in love, we may resent it, but we certainly miss love once it’s gone.
"
When we’re in love, we may resent it, but we certainly miss love once it’s gone.
NM
An anxious heart is like a string that’s out of tune.
"
An anxious heart is like a string that’s out of tune.
NM
We used the Western style to express our own themes and stories. But don’t forget that our heritage includes The Thousand and One Nights.
"
We used the Western style to express our own themes and stories. But don’t forget that our heritage includes The Thousand and One Nights.
NM
Showing 1 to 10 of 180 results