Meaning: The quote "A writer never reads his work. For him, it is the unreadable, a secret, and he cannot remain face to face with it. A secret, because he is separated from it." by Maurice Blanchot reflects the enigmatic and complex relationship that writers have with their own creations. Maurice Blanchot, a French writer, philosopher, and literary theorist, delves into the elusive nature of the written word and the distance that exists between the author and their work.

Blanchot's assertion that a writer never reads his work may initially seem paradoxical, as one would assume that the creator of a piece of writing would be intimately familiar with its content. However, Blanchot's perspective invites us to consider the act of writing as a process of creating something that exists beyond the immediate grasp of the author. In this sense, the written word becomes "the unreadable" for the writer, not in the sense of illegibility, but rather in the sense of being beyond complete comprehension.

The notion of the written work as a secret further emphasizes the enigma surrounding the relationship between the writer and their creation. The act of writing often involves tapping into the depths of one's imagination and subconscious, giving rise to a piece of work that holds layers of meaning and significance that may elude the author's conscious understanding. This creates a sense of separation between the writer and their creation, turning the work into a mysterious entity that exists independently of its creator.

Blanchot's perspective sheds light on the vulnerability and detachment that writers may experience when facing their own work. The act of creation often involves a deep personal investment, yet the resulting piece of writing can take on a life of its own, transcending the author's intentions and expectations. This can lead to a sense of unease or even estrangement when the writer is confronted with their own creation, as it may reveal aspects of their inner world that they did not fully comprehend or consciously intend to convey.

In addition to the psychological and emotional distance that Blanchot describes, there is also a practical aspect to the idea of a writer not reading their own work. Once a piece of writing is completed, revised, and published, many authors may choose to distance themselves from it in order to maintain objectivity and allow readers to form their own interpretations. This deliberate separation can also serve as a form of self-preservation, enabling the writer to move forward with new projects without being overly influenced by their past work.

Blanchot's quote prompts us to consider the enigmatic nature of the creative process and the complex dynamics between writers and their creations. It invites us to acknowledge the mysterious and sometimes unsettling aspects of the relationship between an author and their work, highlighting the ways in which written words can take on a life of their own, separate from the intentions and understanding of their creator. In doing so, Blanchot's words offer a thought-provoking perspective on the intricate nature of literary creation and the enduring enigma of the written word.