Tawfiq al-Hakim

Tawfiq al-Hakim (1898-1987), also spelled Tawfik el-Hakim, was an Egyptian writer, dramatist, novelist, essayist and civil servant. He is considered literary pioneer of Egypt who founded the country's contemporary dramatic tradition.

Wisdom & Quotes

• True artistic renewal does not mean being stripped of fetters. It means moving into new fetters.
• There is always a state of anxiety, of searching and delving for style.
• What I was utterly convinced of, and still am, is the idea that the only responsibility the free intellectual has is vis-a-vis himself. He is not responsible to either a political party or a ruler.

- al Ta'aduliyya

• We are moving. We are travelling at a remarkable speed, but we also carry with us our old baggage which is fit for the journey.

- Postscript to Food for the Millions

Ogden Nash