In James Clavell's "Shōgun," the protagonist expresses a preference for the obscured reality represented by mist, suggesting a desire to escape the harshness of the world around him. This desire indicates a deep sense of dissatisfaction with contemporary life and the complexities that accompany it. The mist symbolizes both uncertainty and a protective barrier from the chaos he perceives in his environment.

The quote underscores a theme of longing for refuge from the overwhelming truths of existence. By embracing the mist, the character seeks solace and a reprieve from the harshness of modernity, reflecting a yearning for simplicity and clarity in a complicated world.