In Emily St. John Mandel's novel, Station Eleven, a character struggles to communicate her project, feeling the weight of her thoughts as she tries to articulate them. Despite her intention to share her vision, she realizes that the understanding of others may not be necessary for her personal connection to the work. This moment underscores the idea that some creations are deeply personal and do not require validation or comprehension from outsiders.
The character asserts her ownership of the project by stating, "You don't have to understand it, it's mine." This proclamation highlights the importance of individual expression and the autonomy one has over their own creative endeavors. It emphasizes that personal meaning can exist independently of others’ interpretations, reinforcing the concept that art and projects can be valid simply because they exist for the creator.