I undertake the same project as Montaigne, but with an aim contrary to his own: for he wrote his Essays only for others, and I write my reveries only for myself.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
I'm quite influenced in this by one of my heroes, Montaigne, who thought a man's real task was to render as honest an account of himself as he could.
A writer looking for subjects inquires not after what he loves best, but after what he alone loves at all.
Every author in some way portrays himself in his works, even if it be against his will.
When it comes to the personal essays I write, I just convince myself that no one will ever read them.
Men there have been who have done the essayist's part so well as to have earned an immortality in the doing; but we have had not many of them, and they make but a poor figure on our shelves. It is a pity that things should be thus with us, for a good essayist is the pleasantest companion imaginable.
In effect I am not a novelist, but rather a failed essayist who started to write novels because he didn't know how to write essays.
Admiration from my readers inspire me, and the only 'formula' I believe in towards making a good writer is: 'to thine own self be true!'
Le Corbusier is an outstanding writer. His ideas achieved their impact in large measure because he could write so convincingly. His style is utterly clear, brusque, funny and polemical in the best way.
I am hard-pressed to find a successful writer who doesn't have a similar story to mine - transformation through the public library.
My work is purely autobiographical... It is about myself and my surroundings.
No opposing quotes found.