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Quotes from The Thief and the Dogs — Naguib Mahfouz

1911–2006 Egypt

← All quotes by Naguib Mahfouz

14 quotes

You always act impulsively, Said, without thinking, but you mustn't rush this time; you must wait until you've arranged things, then swoop like an eagle.

The Thief and the Dogs (1961)

There's a lot of intelligence in his eyes. His heart is as spotless as yours. You'll find he'll turn out, with God's will, a truly good man."

The Thief and the Dogs (1961)

She's forgotten too, that woman who sprang from filth, from vermin, from treachery and infidelity.

The Thief and the Dogs (1961)

If there was a dog in the house—other than its owner, of course—it would now fill the universe with barking.

The Thief and the Dogs (1961)

A city of silence and truth, where success and failure, murderer and victim, come together, where thieves and policemen lie side by side in peace for the first and last time.

The Thief and the Dogs (1961)

Didn't Rauf Ilwan used to say that our intentions were good but lacked order or discipline?"

The Thief and the Dogs (1961)

The silence of the graves is more intense, but you can't switch on the light...Your eyes will get used to the dark.

The Thief and the Dogs (1961)

Your envy and arrogance were aroused, so you rushed in headlong, as always, like a madman"

The Thief and the Dogs (1961)

You are now one of those who commit murder; you have a new identity now and a new destiny! You used to take precious goods-now you take worthless lives!"

The Thief and the Dogs (1961)

With this revolver I can awake those who are asleep. They're the root of the trouble. They're the ones who've made creatures like Nabawiyya, Ilish, and Rauf Ilwan possible.

The Thief and the Dogs (1961)

Why, you're capable of miracles,' he told himself. 'You'll get away all right'"

The Thief and the Dogs (1961)

he silently acknowledged he did love her and that he would not hesitate to give his own life to bring her safely back.

The Thief and the Dogs (1961)

the eyes of their hearts are open, but those in their heads are closed!"

The Thief and the Dogs (1961)

"He walked on until he reached the Zahra offices in Maarif Square, an enormous building, where his first thought was that it would be very difficult to break into

The Thief and the Dogs (1961)

Attribution

Quotes and notes from Wikiquote: Naguib Mahfouz (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0.