In Chaim Potok's novel "The Gift of Asher Lev," a conversation highlights the complexity of personal struggles and the weight of emotional burdens. Asher's wife encourages him to sleep after what she perceives as a particularly challenging day. Despite his claim that he hasn't done much, she recognizes that the difficulties he faces stem from internal conflicts rather than external activities.

This exchange reflects the themes of emotional exhaustion and the challenges of artistic life. Asher's struggle is not always visible through physical actions, emphasizing that silence and inaction can be just as taxing as a busy day filled with work. The statement suggests that understanding each other's experiences is essential in relationships, especially when one partner engages in profound emotional or creative battles.