In "The Gospel According to the Son," Norman Mailer explores themes of perception and awareness through a provocative quote that emphasizes the limits of understanding. The speaker asserts that their purpose extends beyond enlightening the blind; they aim to challenge those who believe they have clarity, revealing that they, too, are blind to deeper truths. This idea highlights the complexity of faith and belief, suggesting that many who think they understand the world may be unaware of their own ignorance.

The emphasis here is on a transformative journey wherein the so-called enlightened may need a reevaluation of their perspectives. Mailer constructs a narrative that invites readers to consider their assumptions about knowledge and sight, urging a profound examination of what it means to truly see. The quote serves as a reminder that enlightenment is not merely about gaining vision but about recognizing the shadows that obscure true understanding.