The NPR interviewer questioned a renowned author about the competitive and hostile nature of the literary world, suggesting it resembles a battlefield filled with jealousy and rivalry. The author agreed, likening the literary scene to a crowded raft where individuals push others off to elevate their own position. This metaphor illustrates the intense competition among writers, where envy and conflict often arise as they struggle for recognition and success.

This dynamic raises an interesting contradiction regarding the impact of reading and writing on empathy. While reading is often praised for fostering empathy, the author suggests that the act of writing may diminish it. This tension highlights a complex relationship between creativity and competition in the literary community, where collaboration might be overshadowed by the desire for individual success.