In Saul Bellow's "Humboldt's Gift," the protagonist reflects on the challenging nature of life, suggesting that the majority of existence is filled with struggles and hardships. The quote emphasizes a sense of pessimism, asserting that if ninety percent of life is difficult, there seems little hope for the remaining ten percent to be fulfilling or joyful.

This perspective reveals a profound sense of disillusionment, highlighting the idea that many individuals may grapple with the burdens of life. The character’s skepticism about achieving a more perfect life resonates with the universal sentiment that happiness is often overshadowed by the realities of human experience.