"I undertake the same project as Montaigne, but with an aim contrary to his own: for he wrote his Essays only for others, and I write my reveries only for myself"

In this quote, Jean-Jacques Rousseau is comparing his own composing to that of Michel de Montaigne, a French theorist and essayist. Rousseau states that he is undertaking the same project as Montaigne, however with an objective contrary to his own. Montaigne wrote his Essays for others, while Rousseau is composing his reveries just for himself. This suggests that Rousseau is writing for a more personal purpose, instead of Montaigne's more public-facing work. Rousseau's writing is likely more introspective and reflective, as he is composing for himself and not for an audience. This quote highlights the differences in between the two authors and their respective composing styles. It likewise speaks with the importance of composing for oneself, rather than composing for an audience. Rousseau's quote highlights the value of writing for personal growth and advancement, instead of for external recognition.