"Un roman qui ne donne pas la plus grande satisfaction à son auteur est un roman immoral."

When we talk about a novel's ability to satisfy its author, we dive into the heart of what it means to create something authentic and meaningful. The idea here is straightforward yet profound: if a writer isn't fully satisfied with their work, then it lacks a certain integrity—almost as if it’s committing a moral wrong.

This notion might have sprung from a time when art and personal integrity were intertwined more visibly than today. Think about the Renaissance, for instance. Artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo poured their souls into their work. They had this deep-seated belief that their creations were extensions of themselves. If a piece didn’t satisfy them, it wasn’t just a bad piece—it was almost a betrayal of their true selves.

Now, let’s bring this down to something we can all relate to. Imagine you’re a chef. You’ve spent years honing your culinary skills. You whip up a dish that’s supposed to be your masterpiece. You taste it, and it’s… meh. Not awful, but not amazing either. You know you could do better. Would you serve it at your restaurant’s grand opening? Probably not. Because you’d feel like you’re shortchanging your patrons—and yourself. That’s what the quote is getting at. It’s not just about the product; it’s about the creator’s relationship with the product.

So how do you apply this in your life? Simple. Whether you’re writing a novel, painting a picture, or even working on a project for your job, aim for that sense of complete satisfaction. If you finish something and you’re not happy with it, don’t just shrug it off and say, “Good enough.” Go back. Tweak it. Improve it until you feel that deep sense of accomplishment. Because if you’re not happy with it, chances are, it’s not your best work. And why would you want to put something half-baked out into the world?

Let’s get a bit more personal. Imagine you’re throwing a surprise party for a friend. You want everything to be perfect—her favorite cake, the best decorations, that playlist of songs she loves. You’ve been planning for weeks. But on the day of the party, you realize you forgot to invite her best friend from college. It nags at you. Sure, the party might still be great, but you know it could’ve been perfect. You’d feel like you’ve let her down a bit, right? That’s the feeling the quote speaks to. When you’re not satisfied with your effort, it’s like you’ve let down not just yourself but also the people who might experience your work.

In the end, it’s about pride in what you do. Your creations—be it a novel, a dish, a project—are reflections of you. Strive to make them the best they can be. Your own satisfaction isn’t just a measure of success; it’s a moral compass guiding the integrity of your work. So next time you finish a project, take a moment. Ask yourself, “Does this truly satisfy me?” If the answer is no, you know what to do.