Eli has come to understand that observation does not always lead to comprehension. It's possible to look directly at something and completely miss the deeper truths that are hidden from view. This insight reflects the complexities of perception and how reality can be layered, often requiring more than just a glance to truly grasp its essence.
This perspective emphasizes the importance of looking beyond the obvious, suggesting that deeper understanding often lies beneath the surface. Eli's realization serves as a reminder that to fully appreciate a situation or a person, one must delve deeper than mere appearances.