In Annie Dillard's "The Maytrees," the author reflects on the lack of solutions to deep existential questions, referred to as "ultimate concerns." The text suggests that while the arts attempt to fill this void, they often fall short. Without established methods of knowledge or accountability, the arts can sometimes attract eccentric individuals and may even contribute to their madness.
Dillard's commentary implies that the arts, though valuable, do not provide the concrete answers many seek regarding life's profound issues. Instead, they exist in a realm of subjectivity, possibly leaving individuals feeling more confused than fulfilled in their search for meaning.