In Saul Bellow's novel "Herzog," the protagonist reflects on his personal beliefs and relationship with fate. He questions if he is part of a group that feels entitled to special treatment from destiny, believing that their compliant nature and genuine intentions will spare them from life's harshest experiences.

This introspection highlights a deeper philosophical concern about the balance between human behavior and the unpredictability of life. The character's pondering suggests a hope that kindness and goodwill can act as a protective barrier against adversity, revealing complex themes of vulnerability and existential contemplation.