In "Europe Central" by William T. Vollmann, the protagonist struggles with an internal desire to transcend his limitations and connect with something larger than himself. His inclination towards deep introspection leads him to contemplate complex questions and ideas. However, when he is in the company of Coca, whose multifaceted thinking amplifies his own thoughts, he finds himself overwhelmed.
Consequently, he carefully navigates their interactions, choosing to refrain from sharing his own confusions. This dynamic highlights his yearning for a deeper understanding without becoming lost in the whirlwind of heightened complexity that Coca's insights provoke.