There is an important erotic element in A Thousand and One Nights, which is one of the keys to understanding the Orient.

Our steps invent the path as we proceed; behind us they leave no trace, only the void. So we shall always look ahead and trust our feet. They will take us as far as our minds will go... -- Tahar ben Jelloun

It is impossible to disregard such an important medium as television. We should know how to use it, learn to work in it and express new values in it.

I am glad to have found a readership, but one can’t write only what is likely to sell. A writer is not a shopkeeper. A writer creates an imaginary world that he transmits to others.

We must have our say, not through violence, aggression or fear. We must speak out calmly and forcefully. We shall only be able to enter the new world era if we agree to engage in dialogue with the other side.

The mistake we make is to attribute to religions the errors and fanaticism of human beings.

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.