In "Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch," author Terry Pratchett reflects on the disillusionment that arises when the fantastical elements of childhood reading clash with harsh realities. The narrator hints at a childhood enriched by tales of adventure and wonder—pirates, jeans, and spacecraft—only to be confronted with a world that is filled with decay and pollution, such as dead whales and nuclear waste.

This poignant contrast suggests a loss of innocence, where the dreams fostered by imaginative literature are overshadowed by the darker truths of existence. It raises questions about the value of growth and exploration in a world burdened by such dire concerns, leaving one to ponder the worth of pursuing knowledge and adventure when faced with profound environmental and ethical challenges.