In Walker Percy's book, "Lost in the Cosmos," the relationship between organisms and their environment is explored, emphasizing that organisms operate as open systems. They respond to particular elements of their surroundings based on genetic programming or learned experiences. This suggests that life's interactions are not arbitrary but rather shaped by inherent or acquired traits that influence behavior and adaptation.

The concept of the self is also examined, indicating that it cannot simply exist in isolation; it must be situated within a context. If a self avoids placement in a particular environment, this decision itself becomes a form of placement. This reflects the complexity of identity and existence, suggesting that being part of a world is essential for defining one's self, even in the absence of a specific context.