To tell the truth I never had it so good. But I lacked the strength of character to bear such joy.
In Saul Bellow's novel "Herzog," the protagonist reflects on his life, expressing a sense of fulfillment that he has never experienced before. Despite this peak of happiness, he grapples with his emotions and self-doubt, feeling unworthy of such joy. His internal struggle highlights a conflict between personal contentment and the psychological burden of inadequacy.
This quote encapsulates the themes of joy and vulnerability that permeate the story. It suggests that even in moments of success, the human psyche can wrestle with insecurities, revealing how our perceptions of self-worth can overshadow our experiences of happiness.
