"Until the June 1967 war I was completely caught up in the life of a young professor of English. Beginning in 1968, I started to think, write, and travel as someone who felt himself to be directly involved in the renaissance of Palestinian life and politics"

This quote by Edward Said shows his individual journey of self-discovery and political awakening. Before the June 1967 war, he was a professor of English, living a life of relative comfort and security. However, the war altered his life and outlook, and he began to think, write, and travel as someone who was directly involved in the Palestinian cause. He felt a sense of duty to assist the Palestinian people in their battle for liberty and self-determination. He ended up being an advocate for the Palestinian cause, and his works and advocacy assisted to bring attention to the plight of the Palestinian people. His work helped to shape the discourse around the Palestinian-Israeli dispute, and he was a crucial voice in the battle for justice and peace.