The quote "It's always taken a lot out of me, being smart" from Eudora Welty's "The Ponder Heart" reflects the challenges and burdens that intelligence can bring. Often, being perceptive and knowledgeable can lead to emotional and mental exhaustion. The character voicing this sentiment may feel overwhelmed by the pressures of their intellect and the expectations that come with it, illustrating the complexities of navigating life while being endowed with wisdom.

This insight into the character's experience highlights the struggle between intellect and emotional well-being. The acknowledgment of the toll that smartness takes suggests a deeper commentary on how society views intelligence. In Welty's narrative, the character’s burden may serve as a reminder that with great intellectual capacity often comes isolation, anxiety, or the feeling of being misunderstood, emphasizing the need for balance and support in one's life journey.