For the first time, I had looked upon victory from the place of defeat, and because the victory was not my own, and I was apart from it, I felt it all the more. It was God's victory, the victory of the continuation of the world. It would bring me nothing, swell my fortunes not a bit. It was bitter, and I would always be outside, but never have I felt a deeper pleasure, never have I been more satisfied, for even if hardly anything was left of me, the world was full. And I was not the only one. A thousand men were on the train for seven hours, and in that time I do not believe a single word was spoken.
The narrator reflects on experiencing victory from a position of defeat, realizing that this triumph does not belong to him, but rather to a greater force. He acknowledges that while this victory doesn't enhance his personal circumstances, it has a profound impact on him. The sense of separation from this success brings both bitterness and a deep satisfaction, as he feels connected to a larger purpose in the world, even if it comes at a personal cost.
During a lengthy train journey, surrounded by a thousand fellow travelers, silence reigns, emphasizing their shared experience of loss and reflection. Despite the absence of spoken words, there is a unifying recognition that they are all part of something larger than themselves. This moment highlights the contrast between individual suffering and the collective continuation of life, underscoring the narrator's complex emotions regarding victory, defeat, and the persistence of the world around him.
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