If the creative artist worries if he will still be free tomorrow, then he will not be free today.

Writers and politicians are natural rivals. Both groups try to make the world in their own images; they fight for the same territory.

In Iran, fundamentalism was fuelled to an extent by the regime of the Shah being supported by the West.

Our lives teach us who we are.

Live on, survive, for the earth gives forth wonders. It may swallow your heart, but the wonders keep on coming. You stand before them bareheaded, shriven. What is expected of you is attention.

Fundamentalism isn't about religion, it's about power.

Your blasphemy, Salman, can't be forgiven. To set your words against the Words of God.