Bellow - Seize the day.

“When it came to concealing his troubles Tommy Wilhelm was not less capable than the next fellow.” (Bellow, 1956, p.3).

“He liked to wear good clothes, but once he had put it on, each article appeared o go its own way.” (Bellow, 1956, p.6).

“He had put forth plenty of effort, but that was not the same as working hard, was it?” (Bellow, 1956, p.7).

“And then, when he was best aware of the risks and knew a hundred reasons against going and had made himself sick with fear, he left home. (…) Ten such decisions made up the history of his life. He had decided that it would be a bad mistake to go to Hollywood, and then he went.” (Bellow, 1956, p.23).

“In any moment of quiet, when sheer fatigue prevented him from struggling, he was apt to feel this mysterious weight, this growth or collection of nameless things which it was the business of his life to carry about.” (Bellow, 1956, p.39).

“And Wilhelm though, Once a guy starts to slip, he figures he might as well be a clunk. A real big clunk. He even takes pride in it.” (Bellow, 1956, p.47).

“Don’t talk to me about being free. A rich man may be free on an income of a million net. A poor man may be free because nobody cares what he does. Bu a fellow in my position has to sweat out until he drops dead.” (Bellow, 1956, p.49).

“the business of life, the real business – to carry his peculiar burden, to feel shame and impotence, to taste these quelled tears – the only important business, the highest business was done. Maybe the making of mistakes expressed the very purpose of his life and the essence of being here.” (Bellow, 1956, p.56).