The author reflects on a formative belief from his youth, where he sought validation and enlightenment in literature. At nineteen, he felt that answers obtained from books held more truth than his own thoughts, emphasizing a deep reliance on the written word for understanding complicated emotions and ideas.

As time passed, this perspective shifted. The author acknowledges that while literature offers valuable insights, personal experience and intuition have become more trusted sources of understanding. Ultimately, he conveys a journey from dependence on external sources to a more balanced view that incorporates both literature and self-trust.