In "About a Boy" by Nick Hornby, the protagonist, Marcus, faces the challenge of being correct in his understanding of the world while finding that the society around him often holds opposing views. His insight often seems futile when the perceptions of those nearby are misguided or different from his own. This creates a sense of isolation for Marcus, who struggles to navigate a world that doesn’t reflect his values or beliefs.

This conflict highlights the theme of alienation amidst divergent perspectives, illustrating the difficulties one can encounter when their views are not aligned with the majority. While Marcus may possess a clear understanding of certain truths, this clarity does little to alleviate the challenges he faces in connecting with others who may not share his viewpoint.