Hume's "My Own Life" was rather interesting to me. I know that I am not the only one who feels this way, but I find people's life stories very interesting. I guess maybe this would explain the huge popularity of shows like "Biography". Every life has a story indeed.

What caught my attention about this piece was the numerous obstacles that he faced in his publishing career. Things got off to a bumpy start, yet he persisted and ended up being very successful. As he put it, "I was ever more disposed to see the favourable than unfavourable side of things". I think that is an essential quality for anyone seeking success in any field.

I found it interesting that even way back then, sales figures were important to artists. The uncomfortable relationship between art and commerce was even an issue in the early days. Plus, I was also intrigued by the fact that whenever you release any form of art into the public, it is inevitable that you will have just as many detractors as supporters. I liked Hume's statement "I was now callous against the impressions of public folly". You really can't please them all.