What did Ishmael mean when he said he lived in three worlds?

The quote you are referring to seems to come from a literary character, likely from a novel or other narrative form. Without a specific reference to a text or author, I'll have to provide a more general interpretation.

If a character such as Ishmael says he lived in "three worlds," it typically signifies a metaphorical expression rather than a literal one. This could mean several things:

1. Literal Worlds: The character may have lived in three distinctly different geographic or cultural settings, each with its own unique customs, norms, and lifestyles. 2. Psychological Worlds: It could also mean that the character feels as though he has lived through three distinct phases or periods of his life, which have shaped his identity and worldview in ways that are so different, they feel like separate worlds. 3. Societal Roles: Alternatively, Ishmael might be referring to existing in three different societal roles or classes – for example, he could have experienced life among the wealthy, the middle class, and the poor. 4. Philosophical Perspectives: It could also hint at a character's internal conflict or complexity, that they have to navigate through different belief systems or philosophical perspectives.

The precise meaning will greatly depend on the context within which Ishmael's character makes this statement, so it would be essential to look at the specific text to provide a more accurate interpretation.