In "Humboldt's Gift," Saul Bellow reflects on the repetitive nature of human actions, highlighting how people often engage in the same behaviors without variation or innovation. This predictability can lead to dissatisfaction and a yearning for something more enriching in life. The sense of monotony prompts individuals to seek out beauty as a source of inspiration and hope in an otherwise mundane existence.

Bellow’s exploration of these themes suggests that despite the routine aspects of life, there is a desire to connect with beauty and transcend the ordinary. This longing is a testament to the human spirit's resilience and its quest for meaning in a world that may often feel stagnant. Associating with beauty provides a glimpse of deeper fulfillment that contrasts the predictability of everyday actions.