The quote reflects on the protagonist's ability to detach himself from certain realities, allowing him to forget uncomfortable truths about his surroundings. This suggests a coping mechanism where he can selectively ignore aspects of his life that create dissonance, leading to a sense of disconnection from both familiar and unfamiliar places.
Over time, the individual is left with a vague understanding of where he feels accepted and where he perceives himself as an outsider. This duality highlights the complexities of social belonging and personal identity, emphasizing the struggle between fitting in and the instinct to retreat from environments that feel alien.