I saw how greatly he suffered the requirement of being clever. It separated him from his soul, and it didn't get him anything other than a living.
The quote reflects on the profound struggle of a character who feels pressured by the expectation to be intelligent or clever. This burden creates a disconnect between his true self and the persona he presents to the world. Instead of enabling personal fulfillment or deeper connections, this pursuit of cleverness only results in a mundane existence focused solely on survival.
This insight highlights the emotional toll that societal expectations can take on an individual. It suggests that the relentless chase for superficial accolades can lead to a loss of genuine identity and purpose, offering little more than the practicality of daily life rather than true happiness or authenticity.