The Essay as Genre demonstrates a lot of truths about the essaying process. For example, I enjoyed the concept of essay fresh because "there are more books about books than any other subject" (2) which is interesting because it seems easier to engage a reader through experiential evidence than academic research.
I also liked the idea that the only organization of an essay is the concept of self. An essay needs no formal doctine to work within-- it is what it is as long as it's relatable to other people. It's not exact truth, it's "knowledge of the moment" (8). It's legitimate as long as it's authentic, true, real, honest, etc.
One thought I do not agree with is that the essayist should be disinterested. In the essay this refers to not being tied down by a trade or profession. However, I think essayists are most efficient when they have a focus. This lets them explore a cerain area from different angels and leads them to a deeper understanding of self and how to portray this self on the page.
This ties in with the idea of essayist as "combiner". The essayist has the ability to string together experience to make it relevant. If the essayist has feredom to write about whatever they want it will be more vibrant. It will be about what makes them tick, or whatever is bothering them. It helps them come alive on the page. I think the most important aspect of the essay writing after truth is freedom. Of course, it is also up to the writer to be motivated enough to work within the freedom. Finding time is always a challange.
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