All writers are vain, selfish and lazy, and at the very bottom of their motives lies a mystery. Writing a book is a long, exhausting struggle, like a long bout of some painful illness. One would never undertake such a thing if one were not driven by some demon whom one can neither resist nor understand.

Summary

This quote suggests that all writers possess certain unsavory qualities such as vanity, selfishness, and laziness. However, beneath these negative traits lies a mysterious motivation. Writing a book is compared to a grueling, laborious battle akin to a painful illness. It implies that writers wouldn't embark on such a challenging endeavor unless they were compelled by an irresistible and inscrutable inner force or inspiration.

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