In his book "Travels," Michael Crichton reflects on the challenges of observation, suggesting that applying theories can distort our understanding of what we see. He highlights a key concern that when we have preconceived theories, we tend to create expectations about future observations. These expectations can ultimately cloud our judgment and hinder our ability to see things as they truly are.

Drawing on a quote from Einstein, Crichton emphasizes that while theories can help us explain observations, they also shape our perceptions of what is possible to observe. This interplay between theory and expectation can lead to a narrow view of reality, reminding us to remain cautious about how our theoretical frameworks influence our understanding of the world around us.