In Margaret Atwood's "The Year of the Flood," the author reflects on the nature of knowledge and understanding. Once we learn something new, it often feels astonishing that we were once unaware of it. This realization highlights the transformational power of insight. What previously seemed concealed can become evident, dramatically altering our perspective on reality.

The analogy of stage magic emphasizes how easily we can overlook information that is right in front of us when we are distracted. This interplay between awareness and ignorance illustrates the journey of learning, suggesting that our perceptions can shift profoundly with new insights, leading to a richer experience of the world.