Sometimes, even a notorious con artist, even a fifth-rate ideologue, liar and malicious, can produce very interesting pages when describing his personal experiences. Unless he falsifies them too, he will be able to experience in writing exactly what the great writer experiences. And he will be convincing. There is something special about this: writing offers everyone, without distinction, identical possibilities—and to make the most of them, one need only take the act of writing seriously.
Tag: literature
There Is Not a Single Newspaper Article…
There is not a single newspaper article that deserves to be printed and saved for the future, as is done with all literature of value. So how is it possible that so many people read and are convinced of the false importance attributed to newspaper articles? Journalism never brings the reader closer to any truly important issue. What it does is distance him from his individuality and involve him in issues that are completely outside his sphere of influence, that do not interfere with his life, and when they do interfere, it is the kind of interference against which nothing can be done. A practical contribution, therefore, is nil; not to mention that, more often than not, journalism inspires nothing but bad feelings. It is always best to despise it. And, depending on it for one’s livelihood, it is best to leave it and seek another profession. Apart from that, there are good journalists. But a good journalist is a sick man who cannot leave journalism because he suffers from having it as his vocation.
Writing Reaches a New Level After…
Writing reaches a new level after becoming like a lost cause. As with these, the effort becomes ennobled and the pretenders give up in the face of the unfortunate prospect. The work, however, gains undeniable authenticity, which appears to be a more valuable prize than one might initially expect. Expectations often shorten the life of dedication; when, however, nothing is expected, the effort itself becomes a source of satisfaction.
Exile, the Inspiration for This Feeling…
Exile, the inspiration for this feeling that has motivated some of the best literary works of all time, holds something invincible and inexplicable. The reality of the feeling is not questioned, but it often seems that exile offers the exiled conditions far superior to those experienced in their homeland. Even so, the mind is not convinced, nor does it abandon the conviction that it once enjoyed something special. There seems to be a connection that cannot be broken, that time only strengthens and that distance transforms into a duty. Not everyone can experience it, but it must be recognized that, when true, it is a very noble feeling.