"I think that like all writers - and if any writer disagrees with this, then he is not a writer - I write primarily for myself"

In this quote, Guillermo Cabrera Infante reveals a personal and perhaps controversial view on the nature of writing and the motivation behind the craft. Infante recommends that genuine authors are basically driven by an individual need to write, instead of by external expectations or audience needs. According to Infante, the act of composing is an introspective endeavor, naturally self-directed and satisfying a personal function or enthusiasm.

By stating, "if any writer disagrees with this, then he is not a writer", Infante stresses his belief that true literary creation is totally tied to self-exploration and self-expression. This idea suggests that composing, at its core, serves as a mirror for the writer, reflecting their inner ideas, feelings, and experiences. Infante argues that authors produce work not mainly for public consumption or industrial success, but due to the fact that they are obliged by an intrinsic desire to communicate and comprehend their own viewpoints.

Infante's perspective can be analyzed as a call for authenticity in composing. He challenges writers to stay real to their own voices and impulses, rather than customizing their work to fit external standards or patterns. This viewpoint presumes that only by composing for oneself can an author really create something authentic and resonant.

In addition, the quote can serve as a reflection on the singular nature of composing. Writers typically work in isolation, and their innovative process is deeply individual. Infante's assertion highlights the internal discussion between a writer and their craft, recommending that this internal connection is both the motivation and reward for composing.

Overall, Infante's quote highlights an essential tension in the writing process between self-expression and audience reception. He offers a purist perspective that writing is, above all, an act of self-communication, where the author's needs and desires take precedence over others' perceptions or recognition.