In Jonathan Lethem's book "Dissident Gardens," the narrative digs into the themes of belief systems and their societal implications, particularly through the lens of astrology. The protagonist, Cicero, perceives astrology as trivial and beneath serious critique. He sees the debates surrounding such beliefs as distractions from the more significant lies and ideologies that shape human existence. For Cicero, astrology is an example of the frivolous fictions that people cling to, diverting energy away from deeper truths.

Cicero’s mission is to expose and dismantle these ideologies, seeking to unveil the often misleading narratives that dominate social consciousness. The text highlights his disillusionment with the superficial and trivial aspects of belief, emphasizing a yearning for authenticity and clarity in understanding the world. Lethem effectively captures the struggle between societal norms and the desire for genuine understanding, illustrating how misleading ideologies can overshadow more pressing truths that deserve attention and scrutiny.