In the history of literature there are many great enduring works which were not published in the lifetimes of the authors. If the authors had not achieved self-affirmation while writing, how could they have continued to write?
This quote underscores the importance of internal validation and self-affirmation in the creative process. Many masterpieces in literature remained unpublished or unnoticed during their creators' lifetimes, yet they persisted because the writers found inner purpose and confidence in their work. It highlights the notion that true artistic dedication often relies less on external recognition and more on an intrinsic belief in one’s expression. Such self-affirmation becomes the driving force that sustains creativity through challenges, delays, or obscurity, ultimately contributing to enduring cultural legacies. ---Gao Xingjian
