Meaning: The quote "I go about looking at horses and cattle. They eat grass, make love, work when they have to, bear their young. I am sick with envy of them." by Sherwood Anderson, reflects a deep sense of yearning for simplicity and naturalness in life. Sherwood Anderson was an American writer known for his modernist style and insightful portrayals of the human condition. In this quote, he expresses a profound sentiment of longing for the unburdened existence of animals, contrasting it with the complexities and struggles of human life.

The imagery of observing horses and cattle in their natural state, engaging in basic activities such as eating, reproducing, and fulfilling their essential biological functions, conveys a sense of admiration and longing for a life free from the complexities and anxieties that often plague human existence. Anderson's use of the phrase "sick with envy" conveys the depth of his longing and the emotional impact of his observation. This statement highlights the contrast between the simplicity and instinctual nature of animal life and the complexities and emotional burdens of human life.

Anderson's expression of envy towards animals can be seen as a reflection of a broader theme in his work, which often explores the struggles and disillusionment of individuals within the context of modern society. His characters frequently grapple with the pressures and expectations of urban life, and the quote can be interpreted as a manifestation of Anderson's own yearning for a return to a more primal and unencumbered way of living.

The quote also raises questions about the human condition and the nature of existence. It prompts consideration of the societal and cultural constructs that shape human life, and the ways in which these constructs can lead to feelings of alienation and longing for a more instinctual and unencumbered existence. Anderson's contemplation of the lives of animals serves as a poignant commentary on the complexities and challenges of human life, and the longing for a simpler and more authentic existence.

In a broader sense, the quote can be interpreted as a meditation on the human desire for a deeper connection with nature and a yearning for a more primal and unmediated way of being. It speaks to a universal longing for a life that is unencumbered by the complexities and demands of modernity, and a return to a more instinctual and authentic mode of existence. Anderson's evocative language and emotional resonance in this quote invite readers to contemplate the fundamental aspects of human nature and the yearning for a more unencumbered and natural way of living.

In conclusion, Sherwood Anderson's quote "I go about looking at horses and cattle. They eat grass, make love, work when they have to, bear their young. I am sick with envy of them." encapsulates a profound longing for simplicity, authenticity, and a more instinctual way of living. It prompts reflection on the complexities of human existence and the universal yearning for a deeper connection with nature and a return to a more unencumbered and natural way of being.