A compatriot of mine, the late Dionysis Zizos, a very eccentric man and a philosopher sui generis, once published his autobiography in a book. Why? What had he done to think that anyone would be interested in his life? Absolutely nothing. Thus, out of the blue, he wrote and printed his autobiography.

In its preface, however, he justifies it with the strange claim that every person, no matter who they are or what they do, has a duty, as a member of society, once they reach the age of fifty, to account for themselves to society, to answer for the deeds of their life, and to be justified. Only if I accepted this claim of Zizos regarding the duty of 'every person who has turned fifty', would I decide to write my life.

Because I could not imagine that any unfamiliar and distant person would be interested in it. What does it matter if I wrote a few novels and plays that were enjoyed? The reader, who is pleased when reading a book or watching a performance, is satisfied with that pleasure, and only casually asks about the author, whom they are deeply indifferent to.

Some, who may be interested for other reasons, are fundamentally indifferent to his work, simply because they do not feel the pleasure of a pure reader or viewer. Their 'profession' has made them insensitive and incapable. For them, would I write my life? Never! I care so little for them and feel such a loose bond with them!