"You don't want to write your own opinion, you don't want to just represent yourself, but represent yourself through someone else"

This quote by Michael Ondaatje encourages authors to look beyond their own point of views and experiences when crafting stories. He recommends that instead of simply composing from their own point of view, authors need to strive to represent themselves through the eyes of another. This might indicate writing from the point of view of a character in a story, or perhaps from the perspective of someone from a various culture or background. By doing this, writers can acquire a much better understanding of the world around them and develop stories that are more meaningful and relatable. Ondaatje's quote encourages writers to think beyond their own experiences and to check out the perspectives of others. This can help authors create stories that are more diverse and fascinating, which can reach a broader audience.