Authors are like cattle going to a fair: those of the same field can never move on without butting one another

Authors are like cattle going to a fair: those of the same field can never move on without butting one another

Walter Savage Landor, a renowned English writer and poet, was known for his sharp wit and keen observations on human nature. The quote “Authors are like cattle going to a fair: those of the same field can never move on without butting one another” perfectly encapsulates Landor’s views on the competitive nature of the literary world.

In Landor’s time, the literary scene was a highly competitive and cutthroat environment. Authors were constantly vying for recognition, fame, and success, often at the expense of their peers. Landor himself was no stranger to this rivalry, as he frequently clashed with other writers and critics over his work and opinions.

The comparison of authors to cattle going to a fair is a clever metaphor that highlights the herd mentality of the literary community. Like cattle, authors often follow the same paths and trends, seeking validation and approval from their peers. However, just as cattle butt heads to establish dominance within the herd, authors too engage in intellectual battles and conflicts to assert their superiority and establish their place in the literary hierarchy.

Landor’s own experiences with literary feuds and controversies further illustrate the truth of this quote. Throughout his career, Landor was involved in numerous disputes with fellow writers, including William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, and Lord Byron. These conflicts often stemmed from differences in literary style, ideology, and personal beliefs, leading to heated debates and public spats.

Despite the competitive nature of the literary world, Landor remained steadfast in his convictions and continued to produce groundbreaking work that challenged the status quo. His refusal to conform to societal norms and his willingness to stand up for his beliefs set him apart from his contemporaries and solidified his legacy as a literary maverick.