“We are split people. For myself, half of me wishes to sit quietly with legs crossed, letting the things that are beyond my control wash over me. But the other half wants to fight a holy war. Jihad! And certainly we could argue this out in the street, but I think, in the end, your past is not my past and your truth is not my truth and your solution---it is not my solution. So I do not know what it is you would like me to say. Truth and firmness is one suggestion, though there are many people you can ask if that answer does not satisfy. Personally, my hope lies in the last days. The prophet Muhammad---peace be upon Him!---tells us that on the Day of Resurrection everyone will be struck unconscious. Deaf and dumb. No chitchat. Tongueless. And what a bloody relief that will be.”

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About Zadie Smith

English novelist, essayist, and short-story writer

Zadie Smith is an English novelist, essayist, and short-story writer. Her debut novel, White Teeth, appeared in 2000 and quickly became a best-seller, bringing her wide attention. She has 153 quotes on the site. Smith’s first novel also won several awards. In September 2010, she became a tenured professor in the creative writing faculty at New York University.

More from Zadie Smith (153 quotes) →

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Books by Zadie Smith

White Teeth

2001

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On Beauty

2005

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The Autograph Man

2003

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Swing Time

2017

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Changing my mind

2009

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