"So I am totally aware that when I defend the autonomy of art I'm going counter to my own development. It's more an instinctive reaction, meant to protect the private aspect of the work, the part I am most interested in and which nowadays is at risk in our culture"

In this quote, Thom Mayne acknowledges that his defense of the autonomy of art goes against his own personal growth. Nevertheless, he discusses that it is a natural response to secure the personal and individual element of his work, which he is most enthusiastic about. He believes that in today's culture, this element of art is in danger and needs to be secured. Mayne's words suggest that he values the specific expression and imagination in art, and sees it as a crucial aspect that is at risk in our society. He wants to break his own development in order to protect this crucial aspect of art.