I am not heartsick, because I am rich and they are poor.

Haven makes this quote to Robert while explaining to Robert that he cannot vote because of his illiteracy. Robert asks if this makes him heartsick, that other people judge him by the 'X' that he has to use for a signature instead of for the man who he is. Haven responds with this quote and then explains that he is rich because he has everything that he needs. He is rich in all the things that are truly important, the things that the people in town could not possibly understand. At this point in the book, Robert does not completely understand either. He is still caught up in the idea of materialism, daydreaming about trips to baseball games, bicycles, and store bought jackets. Before he can become a man, Robert must accept his position in life. When he does, he understands this quote.