Why do I write? To investigate the mystery of existence. To tolerate myself. To get closer to everything that is outside of me.If I want to understand what moves me, what confuses me, what pains me--everything that makes me react, in short--I have to put it into words. Writing is my only way of absorbing and organizing life. Otherwise it would terrify me, it would upset me too much.What passes without being put into words, without being transformed and, in a certain sense, purified by the crucible of writing, has no meaning for me. Only words that endure seem real. They have power, a value superior to us.
In her reflections on writing, Jhumpa Lahiri expresses that her motivation stems from a desire to explore the complexities of existence and develop a deeper understanding of herself and the world around her. Writing serves as a tool for her to engage with her feelings, thoughts, and reactions, helping her make sense of experiences that might otherwise be overwhelming. This process allows her to confront her own emotional turmoil and translate...
