In her book "Pilgrim at Tinker Creek," Annie Dillard expresses a profound observation about the nature of exploration and curiosity. She draws a parallel between an infant, who innocently surveys their surroundings with wonder, and how, over time, individuals often lose that genuine sense of inquiry. As we grow, we tend to adopt a façade of confidence, masking our ignorance and distancing ourselves from the instinctive desire to truly engage with the world around us.

Dillard emphasizes that this shift from authentic exploration to a superficial sense of ownership can divert us from the core purpose of discovery. Instead of embracing the unknown and seeking understanding, we often settle into a comfortable but uninspired complacency. She suggests that reconnecting with the openness and curiosity of infancy might lead to a more fulfilling engagement with life's mysteries, prompting us to genuinely explore our "neighborhood" and appreciate our place within it.