Did Proust know that he was superior to everyone? He sensed his outstanding talent, but never really believed it. The search for a publisher was difficult. He considered his books unpublishable. Shouldn't he have seen it after all, with his judgment in literary matters? Or did he mistrust his mind here too? It seems that he only found some self-assurance when he was admired and recognized. But even then he still has doubts, and very fundamental ones at that. He is indifferent to death and the world.