"No poet or novelist wishes he were the only one who ever lived, but most of them wish they were the only one alive, and quite a number fondly believe their wish has been granted"

This quote by W. H. Auden speaks to the desire of lots of authors to be the only one alive, to be the only one to have their voice heard. It suggests that writers frequently feel a sense of competitors with other authors, and a desire to be the only one to have their work valued. At the very same time, it acknowledges that this is an impractical desire, as no writer can be the only one to ever live. It also implies that some authors might be so positive in their work that they believe their wish has actually been granted, that they are the just one alive. This quote speaks to the ambition and confidence of authors, and the desire to be the only one to have their work valued. It also acknowledges the truth that no writer can be the only one to ever live, which competition is unavoidable.