"There are no heroes in most of my stories. I look at our society with a critical eye and find nothing extraordinary in the people I see"

Naguib Mahfouz's quote suggests that he is a realist, viewing society with an important eye and not discovering anything extraordinary in individuals he sees. He suggests that he does not believe in the principle of heroes, and that his stories show this. This might be translated as a commentary on the state of society, suggesting that it is lacking in heroes and extraordinary individuals. It might likewise be viewed as a criticism of the idea of heroism, recommending that it is an impractical ideal. Mahfouz's quote suggests that he is a skeptic, not believing in the principle of heroes and instead concentrating on the flaws and imperfections of society. He is most likely trying to encourage readers to think critically about the world around them and to not be deceived by the concept of heroes.