"I wrote some bad poetry that I published in North African journals, but even as I withdrew into this reading, I also led the life of a kind of young hooligan"

Jacques Derrida's quote shows his experience of being a young person in North Africa. He was a starved reader, however also led a life of mischief and rebellion. His bad poetry was published in North African journals, recommending that he belonged of the literary scene in the region. The expression "sort of young criminal" suggests that he was participating in activities that were not necessarily accepted by society, such as vandalism or other forms of delinquency. This quote reflects Derrida's experience of being a young person in North Africa, and how he had the ability to stabilize his intellectual pursuits with his defiant nature. It also speaks to the significance of literature in the area, and how it can be utilized to express one's ideas and feelings.