The Arab world also won the Nobel with me. I believe that international doors have opened, and that from now on, literate people will consider Arab literature also. We deserve that recognition.

Home is not where you were born; home is where all your attempts to escape cease.

I didn't make any money from my writing until much later. I published about 80 stories for nothing. I spent on literature.

Fear does not prevent death. It prevents life.

A priest's life is spent between question and answer-- or between a question and the attempt to answer it. The question is the summary of the spiritual life.

I am practically in the employ of Mr. Nobel. I have to meet everyone he sends my way.

Events at home, at work, in the street - these are the bases for a story.