In H.G. Wells' "The Invisible Man," the protagonist reflects on the paradox of invisibility. While he believes that becoming invisible grants him the ability to obtain what he desires, he soon realizes that this power comes at a significant cost. The things that once seemed desirable lose their value and pleasure when he can acquire them without effort or recognition from others.

This commentary reveals a deeper truth about human desires and the nature of fulfillment. The protagonist's experience illustrates that achieving one's goals can feel hollow if the joy and connection that typically accompany them are absent. Ultimately, invisibility serves as a metaphor for loneliness and the emptiness that can accompany the pursuit of superficial desires.