Professional Jealousy

I've just started reading Perdido Street Station by China Miéville, and damned if it isn't discouraging. The man's use of language and descriptive style are almost enough to make a writer throw hands up in disgust. I'd have to spend most of my life polishing a piece to even approximate the vivid imagery he conjures so effortlessly, and then I'd still be hard pressed to breathe life into a story half as engaging. Damn those talented and dedicated individuals. I guess it gives me something to strive for, right?