"We have no Arab intellectuals of international stature because we live in a state of generalized mediocrity. We are suspended in the pit without touching the bottom"

This quote by Tahar Ben Jelloun speaks with the absence of Arab intellectuals of global stature. He suggests that this is because of a state of "generalized mediocrity" in which Arab people are stuck. This mediocrity is described as a "pit" in which they are suspended, unable to reach the bottom. This implies that the Arab people are not able to reach their complete capacity due to the absence of resources and chances available to them. This quote speaks to the need for more support and resources for Arab individuals in order to assist them reach their complete capacity and become successful intellectuals of global stature. It also talks to the need for more recognition of Arab people and their contributions to the world.