Most independent translators whom I know are self-motivated individuals who have chosen their profession because of their love of a particular foreign language and their desire to promote its proper use. In some cases, they studied the language in school and became translators as a result of their passion for that language and culture. Some of them lived in the foreign country concerned so that they could steep themselves in its culture. Love of the language, not profit, was their primary motivation and point of departure. For many of us-myself included-that love and respect inspired a life's work.