Biography: Hamdy Hegazy is an Egyptian writer, researcher, and thinker whose work explores history, philosophy, and the destiny of humankind. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Pure and Applied Mathematics, a Postgraduate Diploma in Mathematical Statistics, and pursued studies in the United States after receiving a prestigious scholarship to King’s College London in 2000. He is the author of two books: EGYPT BETWEEN THE PATH AND THE DESTINY, an in-depth analysis of Egypt’s historical trajectory, and FROM WISDOM TO THE ABYSS – THE SOUL BENEATH THE BLADE OF PAIN, a philosophical reflection on the struggles of the human soul in a world filled with contradictions and suffering. His mission is to inspire critical dialogues on wisdom, destiny, and the human condition.
Fiza: We connected on Goodreads, and I decided to interview you for my blog, insaneowl.com, because I feel your erudite books offer a lot of worthwhile information for my readers. Can you tell my readers something about your two published books?
Hamdy: My Answer to Question 1:
My First Book: EGYPT BETWEEN THE PATH AND THE DESTINY is available on Amazon in Paperback and Kindle format.
This book was born out of a profound and continuous reflection on a fundamental question that has long preoccupied my mind and heart:
Why have some nations that gained their independence after us—such as Korea and Singapore—become among the greatest in the world, while Egypt remains trapped in a state of perpetual decline?
I have always known the real reason, but I was aware that merely stating it without solid scientific evidence would expose me to criticism, as many would claim that my views were biased or overly pessimistic. Therefore, I sought to present precise scientific proofs and well-documented references from the fields of philosophy, psychology, and genetics, allowing the reader to discover the truth through scientific reasoning rather than emotion.
The methodology I adopted in my research follows the same intellectual path as Charles Darwin and Friedrich Nietzsche. In his seminal work “On the Origin of Species,” Darwin asserted that everything has an origin; thus, to understand any phenomenon, one must begin by studying its roots—historical, scientific, and conceptual. Nietzsche later applied this principle to his moral philosophy, emphasizing in “On the Genealogy of Morality” that moral values themselves have origins that can be traced and analyzed across time to reveal their evolution and transformation.
Inspired by this philosophical and scientific foundation, I employed the same approach to study the Egyptian character, seeking to answer a central question: Why has the Egyptian character failed to progress as other nations that gained independence at the same time—or even later—have done?
To answer this, I had to explore the origins of the Egyptian character with utmost precision, tracing all stages of its formation through the ages to uncover the real causes behind its ongoing stagnation and decline.
Regrettably, the conclusions I reached leave little room for optimism, for they reveal deep-seated historical, psychological, and genetic flaws within the structure of the Egyptian personality—flaws so entrenched that no traditional reform methods can effectively address them.
This approach reflects the essence of my intellectual methodology, shaped by my background as a mathematics teacher. I have always believed that no theory should be presented without both its logical proof and its empirical evidence. Consequently, in all my writings, I insist on providing concrete and verifiable evidence—whether through scholarly references or real-life documented cases—because I believe in respecting the reader’s intellect and offering knowledge grounded in certainty rather than conjecture.
For this reason, I rarely venture into purely fictional narratives unless they serve as a symbolic reflection of real human experiences. In this book, I initially prepared nearly 80 pages of academic references in philosophy, psychology, genetics, and related sciences, but I condensed them to about 8 pages for brevity—without compromising the intellectual and scientific essence of the research.
This is not a history book, as some might assume. Rather, it is an interdisciplinary intellectual work where philosophy, psychology, and genetics act as judges of history itself—interpreting the past, revealing the present, and anticipating the future.
My Second Book: FROM WISDOM TO THE ABYSS – THE SOUL BENEATH THE BLADE OF PAIN is again available on Amazon in Paperback and Kindle format.
This is a philosophical and humanistic study that explores the impact of pain on the human soul.
In this work, I examined forty-six historical and contemporary figures from across the world—one Egyptian and forty-five international personalities from all continents and spanning eras from prehistoric times to the modern age—to demonstrate that the essence of pain remains the same, regardless of time or place.
Through this analysis, I revealed that human reactions to pain vary profoundly:
For some, pain becomes a gateway to wisdom and enlightenment, as seen in the lives of great philosophers such as Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Schopenhauer, Nietzsche, Bach, Kafka, and Bernard Shaw, among others.
For others, pain leads to spiritual sanctity, as in the cases of Al-Hallaj, Saint John of the Cross, and Mother Teresa.
Yet, for others still, pain can drive the soul toward self-destruction, manifesting in espionage, drug addiction, murder, or even suicide.
Thus, the message of this book is a call for resilience—an appeal to humanity to remain steadfast and to avoid the sources of pain that can shatter the spirit. Instead, I urge readers to transform pain into a positive force that leads to wisdom rather than collapse.
For the human soul resembles a pane of glass: once it is broken, it is nearly impossible to restore, and it may even wound those who attempt to mend it.
Therefore, every person must avoid the places and circumstances that could fracture their inner being, preserving their spiritual and emotional balance as much as possible.
This, in essence, is the humanistic and philosophical message I sought to convey through my second book.
Fiza: Which is your favorite of these two books? Give some reasons for your answer.
Hamdy: My first book, EGYPT BETWEEN THE PATH AND THE DESTINY, addresses a purely national issue that concerns Egypt and its people. It may not attract much interest from readers outside the country, as individuals generally tend to focus on the affairs of their own nations before engaging with those of others.
Unfortunately, even within Egypt, this type of work does not receive the attention it truly deserves, for several reasons—among them, the harsh economic conditions that have left people preoccupied with securing the basic necessities of daily life, as well as the general decline in reading culture. Moreover, many have become disillusioned and reluctant to reflect upon broader national issues.
Whereas my second book, FROM WISDOM TO THE ABYSS – THE SOUL BENEATH THE BLADE OF PAIN, is entirely different in both substance and message. It deals with a universal human theme that touches all people without exception—the impact of pain on the human soul, and how such pain can either lead to wisdom or drive one toward collapse.
This work mirrors my own profound personal experience with suffering, which has shaped much of my life’s journey. Through it, I sought to find a way to coexist with pain while searching for a renewed sense of purpose and meaning.
Ultimately, I aimed to deliver an honest message of hope to anyone enduring hardship, hoping they might find in this book a source of strength to endure and transform their suffering into spiritual energy and inner insight.
For that reason, I consider both books equally important to me: the first represents my national and intellectual concern, while the second embodies my human and emotional journey through pain.
Fiza: Share with my readers something about your beginnings and what prompted you to become a writer on Amazon?
Hamdy: My beginnings as a writer were neither planned nor intentional at first; they emerged as a natural outcome of intellectual and human accumulations that had developed over many years. I have always been deeply passionate about contemplating human and social issues and closely observing the events and transformations unfolding around me—experiences that profoundly influenced my awareness and shaped my vision of life.
I have always felt that what I witness and experience deserves to be documented—not for the sake of fame, but to record the truth as I perceive it, and to leave behind an authentic imprint that carries both the mark of thought and the pulse of emotion.
With time, writing became for me a means of psychological and spiritual liberation—granting me the freedom to express myself in a world that increasingly restricts the word and suppresses independent thought.
As for my choice of the Amazon platform in particular, it stemmed from my belief that the written word should never be confined within geographical boundaries, and that a true writer must address humanity as a whole—not merely his own nation. Amazon offers writers the opportunity to reach readers around the world and provides a genuine space for independent thought to flourish, away from the constraints of traditional publishing and the barriers of intellectual censorship.
Therefore, I can say that my journey as a writer on Amazon was never just a literary venture; it was, above all, an attempt to reclaim my free voice and to share my message with the entire world.
Fiza: What was your life like growing up in Egypt?
Hamdy: In truth, my life in Egypt was a complex blend of contradictions and hardships — a constant struggle between hope and disappointment, ambition and constraint. I was born into a modest environment within a society that does not truly value education and, at the same time, suffers from deep social, economic, and cultural contradictions. From an early age, I was passionate about knowledge and critical thinking, always striving to understand the underlying reasons behind everything happening around me — whether in school, in society, or in politics.
However, the Egyptian reality has always been harsh toward anyone who dares to think differently or attempts to break away from convention. Intellectual freedom is severely restricted, and genuine opportunities for excellence are exceedingly rare. This reality taught me early on that self-reliance is the only viable path to survival and progress.
Despite all the difficulties, I can say that those painful experiences shaped my intellectual and human identity, granting me the resilience needed to face life’s challenges. I learned that pain is not always an enemy; sometimes, it is the greatest teacher — one that refines awareness and opens the eye of insight.
Egypt, for me — and it remains so — is merely the land where I was born and raised, yet it is also the place that introduced me to the deepest meaning of inner exile: when one becomes a stranger in his own homeland, among his own people, simply because his thoughts or dreams differ from theirs.
In this homeland, justice and equality are absent, freedom and democracy are suppressed, and corruption, favoritism, and bribery dominate the smallest details of daily life — making it nearly impossible for an honest person to find a place without conforming to this painful reality.
For this reason, I have always lived with a profound sense of alienation, carrying within me a single enduring dream — to leave this country forever, with no return. Especially after losing my family, nothing now binds me to it but memories.
Fiza: Who are your favorite authors? Which of their books really influenced you to become a writer?
Hamdy: I have always been fascinated by the realm of philosophy and by those extraordinary minds that reshaped our perception of existence and humanity. At the forefront of those who have profoundly influenced me stand Nietzsche and Dostoevsky—two thinkers who hold a special place in my heart for their intellectual audacity and their unique ability to delve into the depths of the human soul and expose its contradictions.
They are followed closely by Schopenhauer, Voltaire, and Spinoza, whose ideas opened vast horizons before me to contemplate the intricate relationship between human nature, reason, freedom, and meaning.
In the field of psychology, I have always been deeply inspired by the ideas of Sigmund Freud, whose revolutionary insights transformed our understanding of the human psyche and its hidden motives.
My admiration for these thinkers was so profound that I mentioned some of them in my second book, as a tribute to their timeless contributions to the evolution of human consciousness.
Yet my readings have not been limited to them; they have extended to many other great philosophers and thinkers, such as Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Jean-Paul Sartre, Bertrand Russell, Bach, Tolstoy, and Victor Hugo, among other towering figures who have enriched human thought throughout the ages.
Each of my readings of their works has been like opening a new window onto humanity’s eternal struggle with itself, and onto the world’s unending quest for meaning and immortality.
Fiza: Now, describe in more detail the tragedy of 2011 that shook your life to the core.
Hamdy: Since my early childhood, I have been passionately devoted to science—almost to the point of reverence. I dreamed of following in the footsteps of Einstein and Newton, carrying one day the torch of discovery and knowledge. After obtaining my Bachelor of Science in Pure and Applied Mathematics in 1991, I pursued my postgraduate studies with determination, aspiring to earn a master’s and a doctorate degree. However, my request was rejected by the university without any clear academic justification.
I turned to the court to defend my dream, yet deep inside I knew the case was already decided, for the judge had been appointed by the university president—so naturally, the verdict would favor the institution. It was then that I realized how little value education holds in my country, and how often the dreams of scholars are buried before they even begin.
My first dream was shattered, but the flame of hope did not die. In 2000, I was selected for a scholarship at King’s College London, where I spent three fruitful months and received the highest evaluations. I then returned to my homeland, my family, and my work, carrying with me the remnants of my great dream.
A decade later, in 2010, I traveled to the United States, where my academic credentials were officially recognized. I earned the equivalent of an American Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics, along with two years of postgraduate studies in Mathematical Statistics. There, I embarked on a new path that combined both work and learning—until I received distressing news of a family crisis back home. Without hesitation, I returned to Egypt, driven by my deep desire to preserve my family, which I regarded as far more precious than any scientific or professional achievement.
Yet, that return marked the beginning of tragedy. I lost my entire family—by their own will and choice. It was a moment of total collapse; everything I had built over the years crumbled before my eyes. I lost the dream of an enlightened, educated family, and the dream of a scholar continuing his journey in the world of advanced learning. I found myself utterly alone, living among the ruins of the past and the fragments of unfulfilled dreams.
In the aftermath of that loss, I began a profound process of introspection. I realized that my greatest mistake was focusing solely on the pure sciences—mathematics, physics, and chemistry—while neglecting psychology, philosophy, and genetics, the very fields that unveil the mysteries of the human soul and illuminate its hidden dimensions.
I started searching for an answer to the haunting question that consumed me:
Why does a person sacrifice everything for others, only to be repaid with ingratitude, betrayal, and moral emptiness?
I came to understand that such questions can never be answered by the natural sciences, but rather by philosophy, psychology, and genetics, which hold the true keys to the human condition. From that moment on, my passion shifted from studying the physical laws of nature to exploring the hidden laws of the human psyche. I no longer read merely to acquire knowledge—I read to analyze, to reflect, to uncover meaning. I no longer write about events, but about the depths of the human soul, seeking to reveal the invisible motives behind every behavior and emotion. Gradually, this approach became not only a method of writing but a philosophical creed guiding my entire life.
Fiza: How did you go about writing and publishing your two seminal books during this tough period in your life? What was the reception that you got in your country for your two books?
Hamdy: After the profound tragedy that shook the very core of my being in 2011, I lived for many years as a captive of sorrow and disillusionment—haunted by the ruins of my lost dreams and the bitter realization that they could never be restored. Yet, in a rare moment of self-reflection and clarity, I asked myself a decisive question that would change the course of my life:
How long will I continue living in this state of loss?
It was then that I realized my moral and intellectual duty was to share my painful experience with others—not to seek sympathy or material gain, but to warn people from falling into the same abyss of tragedy, and to contribute, even in a small way, to illuminating the path for those misled by the disappointments of life.
That was the beginning of my journey as a writer. I did not write for fame or profit, but rather to offer insight, guidance, and awareness—to explore and expose the roots of human suffering.
My first book, EGYPT BETWEEN THE PATH AND THE DESTINY, was released at the Cairo International Book Fair in 2022. From the very beginning, I was fully aware that reading habits in the Arab world are painfully limited, so I was not surprised when I learned that the book did not achieve any noticeable sales, neither in Cairo nor at the Riyadh International Book Fair that year.
However, I did not lose hope. On the contrary, I became even more convinced that my intellectual message must find its way to readers who genuinely seek understanding and truth. Thus, I turned toward global publishing platforms, translating my first book and publishing it on Amazon KDP to reach an international audience.
As for my second book, FROM WISDOM TO THE ABYSS – THE SOUL BENEATH THE BLADE OF PAIN, I wrote it directly in English without producing an Arabic version, realizing that a true writer needs a readership that listens, reflects, and engages with thought. From that point on, I resolved to address my works exclusively to the global reader, for my purpose has never been financial gain, but rather the pursuit of human awareness, moral reflection, and the enlightenment of others about the hidden sources of pain in their lives.
Fiza: What is your one aim and purpose in life currently? Why do you think it is at odds with the ways of the world?
Hamdy: Since my earliest years, my greatest dream has been to emigrate to one of the great nations that revere knowledge, freedom, justice, and equality. I have always seen in such countries a model for the life that befits a free and enlightened human being. Yet, in my youth, I had neither the freedom nor the means to travel, and so the dream remained deferred until I became a student at the Faculty of Science in 1987. From that time on, I began applying each year for the U.S. Diversity Visa Program, hoping for one chance that could change the course of my life—but fortune was never on my side.
When a fragment of that dream finally came true—first through my travel to England in 2000, and later to the United States in 2010—I found myself torn between my passion for knowledge and freedom on one hand, and my moral and familial responsibilities as a husband and father on the other. I chose to return to my homeland out of duty, only to face a devastating reality: I lost the family I had considered my final refuge. What bound them to me, I came to realize, was not affection or loyalty, but the money I had been sending home. It was then that I understood—my true exile was not abroad, but within my own country.
Today, my highest goal and ultimate aspiration in life is to emigrate permanently to a nation governed by justice, reason, conscience, and humanity—a place where I can write freely and express my thoughts without fear or constraint. It is not a desire to escape, but rather a pursuit of a life worthy of human dignity, where intellect is allowed its natural space to breathe and create.
However, this dream remains at odds with the reality of the modern world—a world increasingly marked by exclusion and prejudice, where the identity of the Arab, and especially the Muslim, is too often met with suspicion and rejection. Thus, the path toward justice and freedom is obstructed by barriers I never chose: I did not choose my nationality, my language, my homeland, my religion, my name, my appearance, nor even my fate. But I did choose one thing—to remain enlightened in mind and vision, no matter the cost.
And so, I have found in solitude a form of intellectual refuge, and in the company of my faithful philosophers—Nietzsche, Dostoevsky, and Schopenhauer—a source of solace and spiritual companionship. They, more than anyone, understood the depth of human suffering in a world that grows harsher and more hollow with each passing day.
Fiza: I really am intrigued, as you already know, by your book ‘FROM WISDOM TO THE ABYSS – THE SOUL BENEATH THE BLADE OF PAIN’ because I too have gone through a lot of pain and suffering in this life since the year 2021 during the time of the pandemic, and during the course of 2024-2025 in which I lost three of my close family members, one after the other. Can you tell me what prompted you to write and publish this book? What is it all about?
Hamdy: First and foremost, I wish to express my deepest sympathy and sincere condolences to the distinguished author Fiza Pathan for the profound loss and suffering she has endured after losing three members of her beloved family. I truly hope that these sorrows will be the last pains she will ever have to experience.
As for your thoughtful question, my experience with pain extends throughout my entire life; my journey has been an unbroken chain of continuous suffering, a reality I have explored in greater depth in my upcoming third book. Having lived through pain in all its forms, I came to fully comprehend its devastating impact on the human soul. It was this awareness that inspired me to write my second book, “FROM WISDOM TO THE ABYSS – THE SOUL BENEATH THE BLADE OF PAIN,” through which I sought to analyze the psychological and spiritual effects of pain on human existence, while encouraging readers to avoid, or at least alleviate, its sources whenever possible.
In my view, the human soul resembles a transparent, flawless pane of glass — once it shatters, it can never be restored to its original purity; it remains forever scarred and distorted. Hence, the core message of my book is a call to distance oneself from anything capable of breaking or destroying the human spirit.
Within this work, I examined the lives of forty-six influential figures who each endured profound suffering — among them the immortal luminaries Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela. Through their stories, I sought to illustrate how pain can reshape the course of human destiny: transforming some into addicts, others into traitors or even killers, while elevating a few to the ranks of saints and philosophers. Yet, even those who attained spiritual or intellectual greatness were not truly happy — fame never healed them; it only deepened their sensitivity to pain. The addict found an escape, the suicide found release, but the philosopher concealed his agony until it erupted into a silent volcano that consumed him from within — as in the case of Nietzsche, whose torment ultimately led to the total collapse of his mind before his death.
Pain, in its essence, is an unstoppable, destructive force. Therefore, one must immediately withdraw from any place or person that might become a source of suffering.
When I lost my family, I stood on the verge of psychological collapse. For two or three years, I relied on sleeping pills just to endure the loneliness. Gradually, I began to find solace in music, travel, and the simple appreciation of life. I often repeated to myself:
If someone wishes to leave, open the door wide.
This phrase became my psychological shield — a mantra that strengthened my will to continue.
And when I later lost my parents and five of my siblings, the sorrow was profound, yet I consoled myself with the thought:
I, too, shall follow them soon; this is the law of life and nature.
It was not a sign of acceptance or peace, but rather a temporary anesthetic — a way to soften the magnitude of grief and keep my spirit from disintegration.
Ultimately, my message is that every human being must strive to live a balanced and stable life as much as possible. Life is far too short to be wasted in endless inner destruction — it is fleeting by its very nature and therefore deserves to be lived with serenity rather than perpetual pain.
Fiza: How can the book ‘FROM WISDOM TO THE ABYSS – THE SOUL BENEATH THE BLADE OF PAIN’ help a mourning and suffering person like me cope with my pain?
Hamdy: In fact, my answer to the previous question fully encompasses the essence of this one as well, since it reflects the very philosophy upon which my book “FROM WISDOM TO THE ABYSS – THE SOUL BENEATH THE BLADE OF PAIN” was founded.
This book does not offer ready-made solutions to pain, nor does it claim to erase sorrow. Rather, it seeks to be a companion of understanding to every soul in mourning — a gentle voice whispering: You are not alone.
Pain, in my view, is an inseparable part of human consciousness; it refines our perception of existence but does not define its end. The book invites the reader not to conceal their suffering but to understand it and transform it into a source of inner awareness and spiritual maturity.
To transcend pain does not mean to forget it — it means to embrace its depth, learn from its silence, and rise above it with dignity and wisdom.
Fiza: What does the book ‘FROM WISDOM TO THE ABYSS – THE SOUL BENEATH THE BLADE OF PAIN’ do for its reader? Who is it really meant for?
Hamdy: This book offers the reader a revealing insight into the hidden dimensions of pain and its profound impact on the human soul—those aspects that often drive a person to escape from the place or the individual who causes such suffering.
Yet, when escape becomes impossible, one begins to search for a psychological refuge to ease the burden of pain, perhaps by recalling a philosophical wisdom that brings serenity amid the storm.
As Schopenhauer once said, human suffering lies in the belief that one was born into this life to be happy, while in truth, that very belief becomes the source of perpetual despair, for misfortunes are inseparable from human existence.
Recognizing this truth grants a person an inner strength that enables acceptance of pain as a law of life from which no one is exempt; and in that acceptance, suffering becomes lighter, and pain less cruel to the soul.
This book was written for all humanity, so that no one may suffer anymore.
It was created as a message of awareness and compassion, illuminating the human path in confronting pain, and teaching how to transform suffering into insight and inner maturity rather than surrendering to despair or escape.
It is not merely a book about pain, but about liberation from it and about understanding pain as an integral part of the human experience, not its ultimate purpose.
Fiza: What are your aspirations for this book, penned so lovingly by you?
Hamdy: I wrote this book after enduring the full intensity of pain, to the extent that its impact on my psyche was so profound that, at many moments, I found myself empathizing even with those who, overwhelmed by suffering, chose to end their lives.
From the depths of that harsh experience arose a sincere desire to alleviate the burden of pain on the human soul and to offer people everywhere a perspective through which they could understand the nature of suffering and how to confront it.
I endeavored to make this book entirely truthful in every detail; all the figures featured are real, well-known personalities, so that the reader does not perceive it as mere fiction or illusion, but as tangible reality and authentic human experience.
My greatest aspiration is for this book to reach as many people as possible around the world, allowing them to discover a path to inner peace and genuine happiness, and to recognize that pain is not an inevitable fate, but an experience that can be understood, managed, and transcended with awareness and humanity.
The ultimate aim of this work is to help individuals overcome their suffering—not by escaping it, but by comprehending it and surpassing it with clarity and depth.
Fiza: Who among your lost family members would have been most proud of your career as a writer? Why so?
Hamdy: My father, mother, and elder brother were the ones who devoted immense attention to my education from my earliest years. My father worked tirelessly in extremely demanding jobs to provide for the family, yet his dedication went beyond mere provision; he closely monitored our academic progress and consistently encouraged excellence through rewards and unwavering support. My mother, meanwhile, would forgo sleep to prepare meals and refreshments for me while I studied, to the point that I felt ashamed to waste even a moment. She constantly prayed for our success and academic achievement and coordinated with my father to oversee our schooling, ensuring we had the best opportunities to learn.
As for my elder brother, he was a mechanical engineer with an extensive personal library containing hundreds of invaluable books across diverse fields. He was the primary source of knowledge and culture in our family. After his passing, I inherited his entire library, which continued to enrich me intellectually and culturally, becoming a constant source of inspiration for my thoughts.
Regrettably, all of them passed away before I embarked on my writing journey, yet their influence remains deeply ingrained in my heart and mind. I have always drawn upon their guidance and support whenever I pick up the pen. For this reason, I dedicate all my books to them, as they are the ones who laid the foundation of my knowledge, nurtured my passion for learning, and instilled in me a lifelong spirit of dedication and the pursuit of knowledge.
Fiza: Fulton Sheen, the Catholic Radio evangelist, once said, ‘Sometimes the only way the good Lord can get into some hearts is to break them.’ What would you have to say in answer to that, Hamdy?
Hamdy: I was born into this world to find myself a Muslim. In my childhood, I respected religious figures and listened to their advice with sincerity, believing in their stories about God, creation, and Satan. Yet everything changed profoundly as I grew older and studied science at the Faculty of Science. Immersed in mathematics and working in physics and chemistry laboratories, I developed an analytical, scientific mind that accepts only what can be seen, touched, and verified through experiment and evidence.
From that point on, my mind could no longer accept the narratives I had heard in the past. Although my colleagues in the same field — and even my professors — continued to believe in them with deep conviction, I could not. This position caused me much trouble, for they revered those stories as sacred truths, while I have always believed that reason must be the ultimate judge. Anything my rational mind rejects, I cannot bring myself to believe.
For this reason, I have never been convinced that the Almighty God — the Creator of this vast universe — could diminish His own majesty by entering into a direct confrontation with one of His creations, namely Satan. Such a notion seems utterly illogical and inconsistent with the grandeur of the Creator. And if God truly loves His human children, why would He unleash Satan upon them to lead them into hell? These are ancient questions, yet none of the answers offered throughout history have ever convinced me.
My skepticism toward all religions deepened when I began reading philosophy, for I discovered that the great philosophers had explored these existential issues with remarkable depth and insight. I recall, for instance, the philosopher Bertrand Russell, who once said:
If I were to meet God in the afterlife and He asked me why I did not believe in Him, I would answer: Not enough evidence.
Bertrand Russell
I fully agree with Russell, for what the clergy repeat has never persuaded my intellect.
Then came Nietzsche, who addressed the matter even more sharply when he wrote:
If God agrees with all that Satan does to us, then He is complicit with him. But if He disagrees, then He is weak and powerless.
Nietzsche
I found myself inclined toward such critical reasoning and agreed with these philosophers in their legitimate doubt. Since then, I have ceased to trust the words of religious preachers — regardless of their faith — and have lost confidence in religions themselves.
Nevertheless, I respect all people and their beliefs. I see humanity — with its faiths, sects, and rituals — as resembling crowds cheering for different football teams: each clings fanatically to their side, quarrels with the others, and wastes their energy and time in endless conflict. Meanwhile, I prefer to observe from afar, keeping my calm, my time, and my energy for what is deeper and more meaningful.
Regarding Fulton Sheen, I believe it holds true from a Christian perspective: Jesus — in their view — endured suffering and crucifixion before ascending to heaven. Thus, they perceive the path to God as one that must pass through pain and affliction. I think that most, if not all, religions instill in their followers the same belief: that suffering is the path to redemption and the way to God.
However, I see the matter quite differently. In my second book, “From Wisdom to the Abyss – The Soul Beneath the Blade of Pain,” I explored the lives of forty-six world figures, along with real stories from life itself — all of whom shared one thing in common: a broken heart. Yet the remarkable truth is that most of them did not draw closer to God through their suffering, nor did God draw near to them. On the contrary, many of them turned toward atheism, crime, addiction, betrayal, or madness.
Take Charles Darwin, for example. Raised in a devout family, he was being prepared by his father to become a priest. But after suffering a deep emotional wound — being harshly humiliated and called a disgrace by his father — he rejected religion entirely. From that pain was born his revolutionary claim that humans and apes share a common ancestor, an idea that completely contradicts religious doctrine.
Likewise, Friedrich Nietzsche, who grew up in a profoundly religious home with a priest for a father, lost his faith after the trauma of his father’s death and other painful experiences. Eventually, he became known as the enemy of the Church.
Even Mother Teresa, the world-renowned saint who devoted her life to service and compassion, confessed in her private letters that she suffered from profound doubt in God’s very existence — tormented by what she called His eternal silence. Many priests and mystics have experienced similar crises of faith, and I documented all of these cases in my book.
Therefore, I completely disagree with what Fulton Sheen claimed. Human experience, in my view, proves that a broken heart does not lead a person to God — it may, instead, drive them toward the abyss of doubt and despair. These preachers and clergymen, more often than not, merely play with the minds of the masses who do not read, feeding them illusions they are eager to believe.
Fiza: Now, tell me something about your other book titled ‘EGYPT BETWEEN THE PATH AND THE DESTINY’? What is it all about?
Hamdy: This book was born out of a profound and continuous reflection on a fundamental question that has long preoccupied my mind and heart:
Why have some nations that gained their independence after us—such as Korea and Singapore—become among the greatest in the world, while Egypt remains trapped in a state of perpetual decline?
I have always known the real reason, but I was aware that merely stating it without solid scientific evidence would expose me to criticism, as many would claim that my views were biased or overly pessimistic. Therefore, I sought to present precise scientific evidence and well-documented references from philosophy, psychology, and genetics, enabling the reader to discover the truth through scientific reasoning rather than emotion.
The methodology I adopted in my research follows the same intellectual path as Charles Darwin and Friedrich Nietzsche. In his seminal work “On the Origin of Species,” Darwin asserted that everything has an origin; thus, to understand any phenomenon, one must begin by studying its roots—historical, scientific, and conceptual. Nietzsche later applied this principle to his moral philosophy, emphasizing in “On the Genealogy of Morality” that moral values themselves have origins that can be traced and analyzed across time to reveal their evolution and transformation.
Inspired by this philosophical and scientific foundation, I employed the same approach to study the Egyptian character, seeking to answer a central question:
Why has the Egyptian character failed to progress as other nations that gained independence at the same time—or even later—have done?
To answer this, I had to explore the origins of the Egyptian character with utmost precision, tracing all stages of its formation through the ages to uncover the real causes behind its ongoing stagnation and decline.
Regrettably, the conclusions I reached leave little room for optimism, for they reveal deep-seated historical, psychological, and genetic flaws within the structure of the Egyptian personality—flaws so entrenched that no traditional reform methods can effectively address them.
This approach reflects the essence of my intellectual methodology, shaped by my background as a mathematics teacher. I have always believed that no theory should be presented without both its logical proof and its empirical evidence. Consequently, in all my writings, I insist on providing concrete and verifiable evidence—whether through scholarly references or real-life documented cases—because I believe in respecting the reader’s intellect and offering knowledge grounded in certainty rather than conjecture.
For this reason, I rarely venture into purely fictional narratives unless they serve as a symbolic reflection of real human experiences. In this book, I initially prepared nearly 80 pages of academic references spanning philosophy, psychology, genetics, and related sciences, but I condensed them to about 8 pages for brevity—without compromising the research’s intellectual and scientific essence.
This is not a history book, as some might assume. Rather, it is an interdisciplinary intellectual work where philosophy, psychology, and genetics act as judges of history itself—interpreting the past, revealing the present, and anticipating the future.
Fiza: How did you go about writing and publishing this book?
Hamdy: After the profound tragedy that shook me to my core in 2011, I spent many years captive to grief and disillusionment, haunted by the ruins of my lost dreams and the bitter realization that they could never be restored. In a rare moment of reflection and clarity, I asked myself a decisive question: How long will I continue living in this state of loss?
It was then that I realized my moral and intellectual duty was to share my painful experience with others—not for sympathy or material gain, but to warn people from falling into the same abyss of tragedy and to contribute, even in a small way, to guiding those misled by life’s disappointments.
That marked the beginning of my journey as a writer. I did not write for fame or profit, but to offer insight, guidance, and awareness, and to explore the roots of human suffering.
My first book, “EGYPT BETWEEN THE PATH AND THE DESTINY,” was released at the Cairo International Book Fair in 2022. From the very start, I was aware that reading habits in the Arab world are limited, so it was unsurprising that the book did not achieve noticeable sales locally, whether in Cairo or at the Riyadh International Book Fair that year.
However, I did not lose hope. On the contrary, it strengthened my determination to bring my intellectual message to readers who genuinely seek understanding and truth. Therefore, I turned to global publishing platforms, translating the book and publishing it on Amazon KDP to reach an international audience, ensuring that the text was carefully prepared and fully accessible for readers worldwide.
Fiza: Can you share some of the reviews you have received for this book in particular?
Hamdy: I have received only a very limited number of reviews for my book “Egypt Between the Path and the Destiny.” Only one reader from my country and one writer of another nationality have evaluated or commented on it. In my view, this reality has nothing to do with the quality or intellectual value of the book; rather, it reflects the nature of the cultural environment in the Arab world, where interest in literature and thought remains confined to a narrow circle, and where the spirit of encouragement and mutual support among writers is not yet firmly established.
Nevertheless, I have never felt any disappointment about this reality, for I did not write in pursuit of fame or financial gain. I wrote out of a purely human and intellectual motivation. Writing, for me, represents my final means of communication with the cultivated world I deeply love and respect. It is also my moral responsibility toward the reader to share with him my experience, reflections, and knowledge, hoping he may find in them something that helps him better understand life and avoid pain and suffering.
Therefore, the scarcity of reviews does not diminish the value of what I offer. On the contrary, it constantly reminds me that genuine writing is never measured by the number of its readers, but by the depth of the message it carries.
Fiza: Why should my readers here on insaneowl.com read your book ‘EGYPT BETWEEN THE PATH AND THE DESTINY’ in particular?
Hamdy: At the core of this book lies an earnest quest to uncover the true roots and hidden forces that have led my homeland toward decline and disintegration—while other nations, which once stood beside us at the very same starting point, managed to rise and become among the greatest in the world. My country possessed every element necessary to take a completely different course, yet the trajectory of events unfolded otherwise, and regression, sadly, became a persistent reality.
Nevertheless, the intellectual significance of this work extends far beyond the Egyptian experience itself. It speaks to every society that sincerely seeks to understand the causes of its own stagnation and underdevelopment, and to reflect on its condition in light of nations that once faced similar challenges but succeeded in overcoming them through vision, determination, and collective will. From this perspective, I believe that non-Arab readers will find in this book a universal mirror for intellectual reflection—an opportunity to contemplate the condition of their own homelands and to compare their historical paths with those of nations that have achieved genuine progress. Some may even find in the analytical and comparative approach I adopted, a constructive framework through which they can identify the deeper causes of their national predicaments and explore more mature, just, and effective pathways toward a brighter future—for their countries and for humanity as a whole.
Fiza: What are you currently working on? Where do you normally write your books?
Hamdy: I am currently working on my third book, a factual work based on real events, which I recount with meticulous attention to detail. It tells the story of an individual, driven by fate, into a relentless series of humiliations and setbacks within a cruel society that outwardly boasts of piety, morality, and conscience, yet fundamentally lacks them.
Through this work, I aim to expose the harsh contradictions within human nature and society, illustrating how profound suffering can compel a person to rebel against their own reality and even against fate itself, in a relentless search for a glimmer of hope or a narrow crack through which the light of life may shine.
As for the environment in which I write, it is precisely the same one I critique in my work—the impoverished and oppressive society I live in, which serves simultaneously as a source of both pain and inspiration.
Fiza: What are the many resources you use to write your books?
Hamdy: The primary resources I rely on for writing my books are my meticulously organized daily routines and the strict discipline I adhere to in every detail of my life. I wake up each day at six in the morning and leave my home promptly at seven, returning around two-thirty in the afternoon. After that, I take a shower and prepare breakfast. Following this, I spend long hours reading and researching on my computer until midnight, then retire to sleep, only to begin the same cycle the next day.
I prefer reading on the computer because it allows me to enlarge text, take notes, and easily store my observations, making the research and analysis process far more efficient. For me, the computer and the internet are not merely tools; they are vital sources of knowledge that help me confront the harsh realities of daily life and transform solitude and isolation into intellectual and creative productivity.
Reading and writing are my lifelines and my refuge from life’s hardships and loneliness. They are the twin pillars that enable me to translate my thoughts and knowledge into literary and intellectual works that endure over time.
Fiza: Where do you currently reside? With whom do you reside right now, or do you live alone?
Hamdy: I currently reside in Egypt, living alone since May 2011, following my separation from my former wife, the mother of my three children. After our divorce, she remarried a wealthy man who provided her and my children with a stable, comfortable life, while I chose a completely different path—one of solitude, reflection, research, and writing.
My children are now adults — 29, 28, and 24 — each leading an independent life. I wish them nothing but happiness and success, even though our paths have diverged.
I have found in philosophy, psychology, genetics, writing, and reading true companions who have filled the void left by the absence of a traditional family, becoming my alternative world and the source of my inner balance. I had hoped to live within a warm, nurturing family environment, but fate charted a different course for me—a path of solitude that, over time, has become a space for deep reflection and creativity.
Today, my greatest aspiration is to begin a new chapter of life in another country, where I may find the human stability and intellectual embrace that I have long sought.
Fiza: Do you ever think about publishing your books with any big-time publishers in the near future, or will you always self-publish like me?
Hamdy: In truth, I have never considered relying on major or globally renowned publishers to release my books. For me, self-publishing is not merely a technical choice; it is an integral part of my identity as an independent writer. It grants me complete freedom to express my thoughts and emotions without any constraints or external interventions that might compromise the intellectual message I wish to convey to my readers.
I firmly believe that genuine writing is not a means to seek profit or fame, but rather a responsibility toward the reader and the cultural world in which I participate. Self-publishing allows me full control over this direct connection with my audience. Therefore, at least in the near future, I will continue to adhere to self-publishing, focusing on reaching a global readership through digital platforms such as Amazon and others, ensuring that my intellectual and cultural message is delivered without restriction.
Fiza: What are your educational qualifications like, Hamdy? Do you wish to pursue your studies further or take up a new subject later? Let my readers know your future educational goals.
Hamdy: (1) I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Pure and Applied Mathematics in 1991.
(2) I obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Mathematical Statistics from Cairo University in 1997.
(3) In 2000, I received a short-term educational scholarship at King’s College London, which lasted three months, during which I achieved the highest grades.
(4) In 2010, I had my degrees evaluated in the United States through W.E.S., where my Bachelor’s in Mathematics was recognized as equivalent to an American degree, along with two years of graduate studies in Mathematical Statistics.
It had always been my lifelong ambition to obtain a PhD in Mathematics, but my request was rejected by the university in my home country, Egypt. I filed a lawsuit in court, but the judge, appointed by the university president, ruled in accordance with the university’s instructions. Consequently, the court dismissed my case and ordered me to pay court fees. When I had my degrees evaluated in the United States, I intended to continue my graduate studies there; however, my wife caused me severe personal difficulties in Egypt. Therefore, I left the U.S. immediately and returned to Egypt to address these issues, which ultimately led to divorce. I did not complete my studies, neither in Egypt nor in the United States.
Given that I was born on September 2, 1967, I am now over 58 years old. I believe that no university in the world would accept me at this age.
Fiza: What are your opinions about Franz Kafka as a writer? Why do you love to read his works in particular?
Hamdy: For me, Franz Kafka is not merely a writer; he is a symbol of the profound human experience and the enduring psychological suffering that reflects the struggles of individuals with themselves, society, and fate. I love reading his works because, through his unique and symbolic style, he captures the sense of alienation and internal estrangement, portraying the psychological conflicts individuals endure when confronted with rigid and unforgiving social systems. This deeply resonates with my own interest in understanding the human psyche and the nature of suffering.
Kafka was also one of the figures I explored in my second book, where I documented the intense suffering he endured due to his father’s harshness and mistreatment, which profoundly shaped Kafka’s tragic yet intellectually profound experience. This personal tragedy did not hinder his creativity; rather, it rendered his writings authentic and deeply moving, conveying an existential pain that transcends time and place, granting readers a genuine sense of human suffering and inner alienation.
Reading Kafka, for me, is a journey into the depths of the human psyche, a meditation on isolation, social pressure, and moral suffering. He remains one of the most influential writers who has inspired my thinking and writing, continually motivating me to document the experiences of pain and humanity in my own literary and intellectual works.
Fiza: What are your opinions about Friedrich Nietzsche? Why do you love to read his works as well? Do you apply his philosophy to your life in its entirety?
Hamdy: Friedrich Nietzsche, for me, is not merely a philosopher but a mirror reflecting humanity’s quest for absolute truth, the confrontation with the contradictions of existence, and the struggle between internal and external forces that shape our destinies. I love reading his works because he challenges conventional ideas and addresses profound issues of will, power, ethics, and individual freedom, all in a philosophically sincere and courageous manner that does not shy away from confronting cultural and religious traditions.
Nietzsche, like Kafka, is one of the figures I explored in my second book, where I highlighted how his ideas intersect with the profound human experiences of individuals who have suffered pain and adversity, and how his philosophy can reveal humanity’s psychological and moral struggles.
As for applying his philosophy in my own life, I benefit greatly from its principles, particularly in rebelling against unjust constraints, enduring suffering, and facing life’s challenges with courage and awareness. However, I do not apply his philosophy literally or absolutely; rather, I consider it a tool for thinking—helping me understand myself and the world around me, serving as a guide for reflection and critical analysis of life’s experiences, rather than a set of rigid rules to follow.
The reason I do not implement Nietzsche’s philosophy literally in my daily life stems from the nature of my social and cultural environment. Nietzsche was German, and it is well known that Germany enjoys extensive intellectual freedom, allowing individuals to express their views and beliefs without fear or threat. In contrast, in many underdeveloped Arab countries, such freedom is almost nonexistent. For example, if I openly declared that I do not believe in religions, it could immediately endanger me or even lead to symbolic or social “death.” Therefore, I deeply admire Nietzsche’s ideas and embrace them personally, but I do not publicly announce them in absolute terms.
Moreover, I perceive Nietzsche as a victim of harsh life circumstances that imposed severe challenges upon him, contrary to the prevailing impression of him as harsh or emotionally cold. In truth, I believe Nietzsche was highly sensitive and profoundly empathetic, which endowed his philosophy with remarkable depth and inspiration. I extensively addressed his suffering and human experience in my second book, documenting the psychological and human dimensions that shaped his thoughts and works.
Fiza: Who is a better writer: Jean-Paul Sartre or Nietzsche, according to you? I prefer Nietzsche myself, but these days I am more drawn to Albert Camus than anyone else.
Hamdy: Albert Camus never experienced suffering on the scale endured by Schopenhauer and Nietzsche. Camus grew up surrounded by his mother’s warmth and care, and Sartre enjoyed a relatively stable life with the devoted support of his wife. In contrast, Schopenhauer and Nietzsche were deprived of maternal affection despite their mothers being alive, and neither experienced spousal care, as both remained unmarried. I observe that the depth of philosophical thought and literary innovation is directly proportional to the intensity of the suffering and pain a thinker endures.
Nietzsche, for instance, found affection only from his remarkable sister, Elisabeth, and even the one person he truly loved, Lou Salomé, did not reciprocate his feelings but rather mocked him. He maintained his composure for a time but ultimately collapsed, losing his sanity. This underscores that Nietzsche was among the most profoundly afflicted philosophers, which explains the sharpness and depth of his philosophy. I believe Nietzsche will remain eternally at the pinnacle of philosophy, with his Eastern counterpart being Dostoevsky. Nietzsche is incomparable; he surpasses his mentors—Schopenhauer, Hegel, and Goethe—as well as all who came after him. He stands as the pinnacle of philosophy.
Fiza: Are English books or books about Sartre, Nietzsche, Camus, etc., easily available in Egypt? I’ve heard that Arabic books are not easily available in Egypt, let alone English ones. Let me know your thoughts on this. I get many readers on insaneowl.com from Egypt.
Hamdy: In reality, the availability of scientific and philosophical books in Arab countries is relatively limited. Therefore, I prefer to consult foreign websites and precise translation sources directly to access the information and cultural knowledge I need.
Fiza: What, in your opinion, is the position of Egypt with respect to free speech, freedom of the press, and the dissemination of knowledge through books?
Hamdy: Since I am aware that many readers from Egypt visit your website, I prefer not to elaborate too much on this sensitive subject. I may also reconsider some of my previous responses to ensure that everything I have expressed reflects my intellectual perspective alone, entirely free of any political implications.
Fiza: Would you ever recommend an Indian like me—or like most of my readers on insaneowl.com—to come to Egypt as a permanent home? Or is it better just to holiday there?
Hamdy: I’m sorry, but I cannot answer this question honestly, and I do not wish to lie. Therefore, I kindly ask to be excused from answering it. Since there are Egyptians on this website, they can answer this question themselves.
Fiza: Which is the best place for you to read books these days?
Hamdy: I use a large desktop computer that is difficult to move, which is why I spend most of my time inside my small room — a space that has gradually become both my personal world and my permanent workplace. I rarely leave it except to go to work. During vacations, whether for a week or two, I prefer to remain entirely within it, investing every moment in reading, research, and writing, with the aim of making the most efficient use of my time and acquiring as much knowledge as possible. Over time, this room has transformed into a productive sanctuary of solitude, providing me with the focus and mental clarity I need to delve deeply into intellectual exploration and creative inquiry.
Fiza: How is the atmosphere in Egypt currently amid global tensions?
Hamdy: I’m sorry, but I prefer not to answer political questions. I’m only comfortable responding to philosophical ones.
Fiza: What will your magnum opus be? Or have you already written your magnum opus? Mine will be a horror book in a trilogy form, which is not exactly the genre I specialize in, but the world is full of surprises. What is the genre of your magnum opus, Hamdy?
Hamdy: I believe that intellectual freedom is the fertile soil in which great ideas grow. Had I lived in a society that genuinely allowed religious, political, and social freedom of expression, I would undoubtedly have been able to produce even more valuable and daring works. Nevertheless, I consider my current book one of my most significant intellectual achievements. As for my forthcoming work, I regard it as deeper and more profound than anything I have written before. I may choose to write it solely for myself or perhaps publish it at the end of my life, when the fear of consequences no longer holds any weight.
Fiza: Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?
Hamdy: Ten years from now, I may no longer be present in this material world. Yet, I hope that my thoughts and books will continue to live on in the minds and hearts of those who have read them. In my view, true immortality lies not in the survival of the body, but in the endurance of one’s intellectual and spiritual legacy.
Fiza: Where do you see your writing career 10 years from now?
Hamdy: In my journey as a writer, I face two fundamental challenges:
First, the dissemination of my works within my own country, where the limited engagement with reading constitutes a significant barrier to the reach of profound ideas and serious intellectual content.
Second, the attempt to reach a global audience in the West, where stereotypical perceptions and cultural barriers toward Arabs and Muslims make this exceedingly difficult. At times, these perceptions verge on racial prejudice, hindering the reception of literary and intellectual works purely as independent contributions to thought.
Consequently, I have not devoted time to pursuing widespread dissemination, as I consider such efforts potentially wasteful of both time and energy. Instead, I aim to invest every minute of my life in producing work of genuine value, for life is short and time passes astonishingly quickly. I believe that those who do not read my books are the ones who lose out, not me, for I address topics with depth and sincerity, providing valuable insights that are often difficult to find elsewhere.
I am confident that once my works reach discerning and intellectual readers, they will spark keen interest and a passionate pursuit of further engagement. By that time, I may have departed from this world, yet the intellectual and cultural impact of my work will endure, alive in the minds and hearts of those who have read it.
Fiza: Where can my readers here on insaneowl.com easily find you?
Hamdy: MY FIRST BOOK
EGYPT BETWEEN THE PATH AND THE DESTINY
Paperback on Amazon
Kindle Edition (eBook)
MY SECOND BOOK
FROM WISDOM TO THE ABYSS – THE SOUL BENEATH THE BLADE OF PAIN
Paperback on Amazon
Kindle Edition (eBook)
My one-minute author promotional video.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the invaluable opportunity you have given me to get to know you and your esteemed readers through this interview. Meeting you has been far more than a conversation about books; it has been a rich and rewarding experience filled with warmth and appreciation. I feel immense joy and pride in your gracious friendship. Your refined personality and profound dedication to culture and literature have made this encounter truly remarkable. I look forward, with deep appreciation, to continuing this meaningful connection, and I hope that our intellectual and literary bond remains a source of inspiration and ongoing knowledge exchange for all your cherished readers and me.
Conclusion
Thank you, Hamdy, for giving me this opportunity to interview you on my blog, insaneowl.com, where we discuss all things bookish. I wish you the very best in your future ventures, especially in writing and publishing.
©2025 Fiza Pathan
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