We all need a little inspiration every now and then, and listening to what pioneering achievers have to say is always a great way to find it.
These Arab super-achievers were not only successful, but dared to innovate and stray off the beaten track to change the world in some way for the better, which makes their words even more valuable.
1. “The light is in my heart between my ribs, so why would I fear walking in the darkness?” - Abu Al-Qasim Al-Shabi
The Tunisian poet tells us to trust the light that guides us, instead of the fear that misguides us.
2. "If the urge to write should ever leave me, I want that day to be my last." - Naguib Mahfouz
The Nobel laureate definitely knew a thing or two about passion, and writing was his reason for living.
3. "Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls, the most massive characters are seared with scars." - Gibran Kahlil Gibran
The influential Lebanese poet echoed pain and strength side by side in his poetry.
4. "Don't forget that the 'game of time' is stronger than us, it's a deadly game, we can't face it unless we live death before we die, and to die we dance on the ropes of risk in pursuit of life." - Mohamed Choukri
The Moroccan writer inspires us to live life to the fullest and not be afraid to take risks.
5. “To want and to dare! To give one's measure with all good faith, the rest will follow as a logical consequence.” - Doria Shafik
The Egyptian feminist inspires us to pursue goals with all good faith.
6. “Traveling: It leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller" - Ibn Battuta
The Moroccan explorer dared to travel the world in a time when it wasn't all that common and inspired generations after him.
7. “Life doesn't stop after losing someone, but it goes on without them differently." - Nizar Qabbani
The Syrian poet expertly navigated heartbreak, loss and recovery in his pioneering poetry.
8. “I do not read for I have renounced life, I read because one life is just not enough for me.” - Abbas Al-Akkad
The Egyptian novelist inspired a generation of readers in the Arab World to seek other lives in fiction.
9. "Honesty with one’s self is the only way for a writer to be honest in expression.” - Mahdi Issa al-Saqr
The pioneering Iraqi writer pointed out the value of honesty with one's self not just for writers, but for everyone else.
10. “My father’s omnipotence was suffocating. I learned to fly because I love to be free. Why wouldn’t I build myself on my own?" - Lotfia El-Nady
The pioneering Egyptian aviator inspired generations of women and men to break free from society's barriers.
11. “I don't know all the reasons for these achievements, but I know that I love what I do and I have never wanted to rest on my laurels.” - Ahmed Zewail
The pioneering Egyptian scientist reminds us that fame is not an excuse to rest.