"During my life I have seen, known, and lost too much to be the prey of vain dread; and, as for the hope of immortality, I am as weary of that as I am of gods and kings. For my own sake only I write this; and herein I differ from all other writers, past and to come"

Mika Waltari's quote captures a profound sense of weariness and individualism that resonates with existential themes. The speaker reflects on a life filled with considerable experiences of seeing, knowing, and losing, recommending a deep familiarity with both the joys and sorrows of presence. This depth of experience has relatively fortified the speaker versus "vain dread", suggesting a disillusionment with unimportant worries and anxieties that might preoccupy others.

Waltari's termination of "the hope of immortality" suggests a tiredness with the universal human desire for immortality or tradition. This weariness encompasses "gods and kings", symbols of authority, power, and divine control. His reference to being "weary" of them recommends disillusionment or rejection of not just religious and political structures but possibly also the societal narratives that uphold them. It indicates an existential acceptance of mortality and a rejection of authority that requires one's submission or belief.

The declaration "For my own sake just I write this" emphasizes a profound sense of uniqueness. Unlike other authors who might be driven by a sense of mission, audience expectation, or legacy, Waltari's speaker writes simply for individual reasons. This could be translated as a quest for self-expression, catharsis, or an exploration of individual fact.

In saying "herein I differ from all other writers, past and to come", the speaker asserts an unique, nearly defiant self-concept. Possibly Waltari is highlighting the rarity of composing exclusively for oneself in the middle of a literary custom typically driven by external recognition or purpose. This statement therefore underlines a defiance against standard intentions for composing, emphasizing a deeply individual, introspective journey.

In general, the quote delves into themes of existential disillusionment, specific function, and the nature of human motivation, triggering readers to review their own factors for creating and engaging with the world.