The shaykh interrupted him, saying, Not so fast. I'm the sort of person who praises only to clear the way to speak the truth, for the sake of encouragement, son of Abd al-Jawad
The passage features a conversation where a shaykh emphasizes the importance of honesty over flattery. He announces that his compliments are not meant as mere praise but are intended to prepare the listener for a more profound truth. This reflects a philosophy where genuineness takes precedence, advocating for candor in communication.
The shaykh's statement highlights his role as a mentor who prioritizes the listener's growth. By introducing truth gently through encouragement, he seeks to create a conducive environment for sharing insights. This approach illustrates the interplay between guidance and honesty, central themes in Mahfouz's work, "Palace Walk."
