The quote from Chaim Potok's "The Chosen" highlights the paradox of fortune and misfortune in life. People often take their good fortune for granted, failing to appreciate their blessings until they face challenges or loss. This suggests that awareness and gratitude for what one has can only come through experiencing hardship or misfortune.

This perspective encourages readers to reflect on their lives and recognize the value of their positive circumstances. It serves as a reminder that life’s complexities often reveal the importance of gratitude and awareness, and that true appreciation of fortune can emerge only in the face of adversity.