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Mahmoud Darwish

141quotes

Mahmoud Darwish


Full Name and Common Aliases


Mahmoud Darwish was a renowned Palestinian poet, writer, and intellectual who is widely regarded as one of the most important Arab poets of the 20th century. He was often referred to as the "national poet" of Palestine.

Birth and Death Dates


Darwish was born on August 13, 1941, in al-Birwa, a small village near Ramla, in what is now Israel. He passed away on August 9, 2008, at the age of 66 due to complications from leukemia.

Nationality and Profession(s)


Mahmoud Darwish was Palestinian by birth and nationality. He worked as a poet, writer, and intellectual, producing numerous collections of poetry, essays, and articles throughout his career.

Early Life and Background


Darwish's childhood was marked by the trauma of war and displacement. His family was forced to flee their home in al-Birwa during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, and they eventually settled in a refugee camp in Lebanon. This experience had a profound impact on Darwish's writing, as he often reflected on the themes of exile, loss, and longing.

Growing up in a refugee camp, Darwish was exposed to the harsh realities of poverty, displacement, and marginalization. However, he also found solace in literature and poetry, which became his primary means of expression and escape. He began writing at an early age, drawing inspiration from the works of classical Arabic poets such as Al-Mutanabbi and Al-Khansa.

Major Accomplishments


Darwish's literary career spanned over five decades, during which he published numerous collections of poetry that explored themes of identity, exile, love, and social justice. Some of his most notable works include:

"Yasmin in Exile" (1966): A collection of poems that reflect on the poet's experiences as a refugee.
 "The Time Between Octobers" (1977): A volume that explores the complexities of Palestinian identity and history.
"Don't Say That You Are Proud to Be from Gaza" (1985): A poem that speaks to the resilience and determination of the Palestinian people.

Darwish's poetry was widely praised for its lyricism, depth, and emotional resonance. He was awarded numerous literary prizes, including the Lenin Peace Prize in 1968, and he served as a poet-in-residence at various universities around the world.

Notable Works or Actions


Throughout his career, Darwish was involved in several notable literary and political endeavors:

Editor of "Al-Karmil": A Palestinian cultural magazine that featured works by Arab writers and intellectuals.
Co-founder of the Union of Palestinian Writers: An organization dedicated to promoting Palestinian literature and culture.
 Poetry readings and performances: Darwish gave numerous public readings and performances, using his poetry as a means of resistance and solidarity with the Palestinian people.

Impact and Legacy


Mahmoud Darwish's impact on Arab literature and culture is immeasurable. His poetry has been translated into over 20 languages and has inspired countless readers around the world. He is remembered for his commitment to social justice, human rights, and the struggle for Palestinian self-determination.

Darwish's legacy extends beyond his literary contributions. He was a vocal advocate for peace, reconciliation, and coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians. His poetry continues to inspire new generations of writers, artists, and activists working towards a more just and equitable world.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered


Mahmoud Darwish's quotes are widely remembered and quoted due to their powerful expression of the human experience. His poetry speaks to universal themes such as love, loss, hope, and resilience. Here are a few examples:

"Poetry is an act of resistance."
 "The time has come for us to be free from our dreams."
* "I was born in the village of al-Birwa, but I am not a native of any place except exile itself."

These quotes capture the essence of Darwish's writing: his ability to convey the complexities and nuances of human experience through powerful language and imagery. His poetry continues to inspire readers around the world, offering a testament to the enduring power of literature to shape our understanding of ourselves and our place in the world.

Quotes by Mahmoud Darwish

Mahmoud Darwish's insights on:

Sometimes I feel as if I am read before I write. When I write a poem about my mother, Palestinians think my mother is a symbol for Palestine. But I write as a poet, and my mother is my mother. She's not a symbol.
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Sometimes I feel as if I am read before I write. When I write a poem about my mother, Palestinians think my mother is a symbol for Palestine. But I write as a poet, and my mother is my mother. She's not a symbol.
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I am not a lover of Israel, of course. I have no reason to be. But I don't hate Jews.
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I am not a lover of Israel, of course. I have no reason to be. But I don't hate Jews.
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I've built my homeland, I've even founded my state - in my language.
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I've built my homeland, I've even founded my state - in my language.
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I never wanted children; maybe I'm afraid of responsibility.
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I never wanted children; maybe I'm afraid of responsibility.
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Nothing, nothing justifies terrorism.
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Nothing, nothing justifies terrorism.
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The Arabs are ready to accept a strong Israel with nuclear arms - all it has to do is open the gates of its fortress and make peace.
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The Arabs are ready to accept a strong Israel with nuclear arms - all it has to do is open the gates of its fortress and make peace.
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Some people ask, 'How do you attract the young and so many different people when your poetry is complicated and different?' I say, 'My accomplishment is that my readers trust me and accept my suggestions for change.'
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Some people ask, 'How do you attract the young and so many different people when your poetry is complicated and different?' I say, 'My accomplishment is that my readers trust me and accept my suggestions for change.'
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I don't decide to represent anything except myself. But that self is full of collective memory.
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I don't decide to represent anything except myself. But that self is full of collective memory.
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I want to find a language that transforms language itself into steel for the spirit – a language to use against these sparkling insects, these jets.
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I want to find a language that transforms language itself into steel for the spirit – a language to use against these sparkling insects, these jets.
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We have on this earth what makes life worth living: April’s hesitation, the aroma of bread at dawn, a woman’s point of view about men, the works of Aeschylus, the beginning of love, grass on a stone, mothers living on a flute’s sigh and the invaders’ fear of memories.
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We have on this earth what makes life worth living: April’s hesitation, the aroma of bread at dawn, a woman’s point of view about men, the works of Aeschylus, the beginning of love, grass on a stone, mothers living on a flute’s sigh and the invaders’ fear of memories.
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