Foucault writes, “…writing about oneself appears clearly in its relationship of complementarity with reclusion: it palliates the dangers of solitude; it offers what one has done or thought to a possible gaze; the fact of obliging oneself to write plays the role of a companion by giving rise to the fear of disapproval and to shame” (1). Foucault, from this statement, is proposing that writing is a method for self-thinking and self-reflection. In this quote, he writes of an individual writing about themselves and also writing creatively in the form of plays. Foucault writes of three different analogies: notebooks and community aesthetic, practice of askesis, and lastly writing as spiritual combat. Overall, Foucault believes in writing and expression through written art as means of self-reflection and thinking while also connecting spirituality and community ties.
Self-Thinking & Reflection
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This quote also suggests that writing in solitude will help to recognize the guilt and shame we can self-create when taking part in sinful activities. When we oblige ourselves to write, we are practicing discipline. The self-reflection isn’t occurring in the journals since the journals are just a record of the evil actions and thoughts an individual does. The community ties are ones created in solitude and it’s about making a community present when there isn’t one.