In "Separate Reality: Conversations With Don Juan," Carlos Castaneda reflects on the mindset of an average individual who perceives the world as straightforward and devoid of surprises. As this person ages, they often believe they have encountered everything life has to offer, leading to a sense of emptiness and despair. This mindset limits the understanding and appreciation of life’s deeper complexities and mysteries.

Castaneda suggests that the average person, by prioritizing comfort over exploration, becomes disillusioned and fails to recognize the ongoing mysteries of the world. The statement illustrates how many cease to seek new experiences, mistaking their familiarity with the world for a lack of possibilities. As a result, they pay a high cost for their emotional defenses, missing out on the richness that life still holds.