i think it might depend on who you are, but part, i think, is what keats talks about in ode on a grecian urn - the desire to outlast mortality.

People love themselves and love their own thoughts. :P

To see my thoughts, my twist of words, into Rhyme, to accomplish that which gives me pleasure. I write for myself. I share little because it is, as Salieri said (in the movie about Mozart), Mediocrity.

Even recognizing that I'm not a genius, I still write because it is satisfying. :o)

Good post, I always like them