Post Titled: "You could even substitute the word 'jealousy' for 'literary influence.' Literary influence is what the professors call it in the classroom, but actually the emotional experience of it is envy. Writers wouldn't be moved to emulation unless they were envious of previous writers. The little propeller that drives creative work (you can't see it because it is under the water) is jealousy, and that is what keeps the arts moving- but don't tell anybody. " -Poet Laureate Billy Collins from Weekend America