2008/02/29 New York
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Self-importance

Other enemies

Last night I had drinks with somebody close enough to the literary world to pass judgment on the rites of this world.
We drank a bottle of wine and we both passed judgment.
Of course self-importance is prevalent in many communities, but it seems to be especially widespread in the literary world. (Having spent some time around war correspondents I find their self-importance so much more bearable, because at least some good stories are connected to it. Whether these stories are true or not isn’t important.)
The idea that networking is an extension of literature and vice versa is not very appealing.
By no means I’m suggesting that I’m immune to the disease of self-importance. The disease and I are fighting, I believe I'm winning.
The biggest enemy every man faces is exactly that: self-importance. If that enemy is defeated it will be much easier to defeat the other enemies.


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14 comments Last_comment
self-importance
Strangely enough, since I write stories about my experiences in life, it feels as the stories and the storyteller become less important and more banal. Now I simply become one of the many. Hiding and abstinence can make you feel important too.
said Jan Thys 29/02/2008 09:55 • x
Haha Arnon,
Yesterday there was a question about you in "Twee voor twaalf" the dutch quiz. In the shown filmfragment you said your mother would appreciate the prize the most. So I believe you.
said Helen Priso 29/02/2008 10:49 • x
A big danger of the combination of networking and self-importance is becoming a slave of ones own style.
said Hannah verheezen 29/02/2008 12:42 • x
I'm one who fights self-importance. I think I have none. Maybe it comes across as if I do, but generally it isn't.

A guy I know swims in self-importance. This one time he wrote constantly about his adventures in China so frequently that you couldn't believe he went out of the house to experience them.
said Dens Powells 29/02/2008 12:52 • x
Montreux
I looked some means of transportation to montreux up, but I couldn't really find something decent, quick and bookable. Who's going by which mean of transportation? Please mail me.
said Dens Powells 29/02/2008 12:53 • x
@ Dens
I plan to go by plane.
said Mieke Dutoit 29/02/2008 13:30 • x
@Dens
A flight to Geneva might be easiest. I plan to go by car since I'll be in Burgundy or the Jura anyway and from there a car ride to Montreux is doable.
said Ron Lander 29/02/2008 14:03 • x
Mieke
Where did you book, can I still book? I tried to book earlier, but it said I had to book at least 4 days in advance.
said Dens Powells 29/02/2008 17:28 • x
@ Dens
I haven't booked yet, I'm still waiting for the green light by Johannes.
The cheapest flight is by Easyjet on friday the second. If you want to go there on saterday than you will have to fly by Brussels Airline, because you need one hour to get from Geneve to Montreux by train.
said Mieke Dutoit 29/02/2008 19:14 • x
@ Dens
As far as I know the event is May 3, not March 3, so you have more time than just 4 days to book your ticket.
said Sander Voerman 29/02/2008 19:15 • x
Mon Dieu, I was really Off. 3rd of May is perfect.
said Dens Powells 01/03/2008 00:27 • x
Mieke, Dens
Two months ago Brussels Airlines had cheap tickets to Geneva.
Not today. How 'cheap' is EasyJet? Or I have a problem.
said Vera M. 02/03/2008 10:21 • x
@ Vera
I just had a look at Brussels airlines. I don't think that 28 euro is that much. The extra costs add something to the price, but you have a round ticket for something like 130 euro.
said Mieke Dutoit 02/03/2008 14:23 • x
Vera, Dens, Mieke and others
If the event in Montreux will take place is dependent on the number of people willing to commit themselves to travel to Montreux. A decision will be made soon. Johannes will keep you updated.
said Arnon Grunberg 02/03/2008 17:05 • x
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