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.
Source: The Dyer's Hand, pt. 1, Writing, 1963.
-- W H Auden, (Feb 21 1907-1973), English-US poet, dramatist, editor; He wrote passionately about social problems and post-WW I anxiety; won Pulitzer for verse Age of Anxiety, 1948.