In Thomas Pynchon's "Gravity's Rainbow," the quote emphasizes the importance of questioning and the implications of misguided inquiry. If individuals focus on inappropriate or misleading questions, those in power can evade accountability and control the narrative. This highlights a critical aspect of paranoia, suggesting that the search for truth can be subverted by the framing of questions. By distracting from the right inquiries, it becomes easier for deception to flourish.

This idea underlines a significant theme in Pynchon's work: the complexity of reality and the challenges in navigating it. When people are led to believe falsehoods or given distractions, they might waste their efforts and energy, ultimately failing to arrive at genuine understanding. It serves as a reminder to remain vigilant and ensure that one’s questions align with the truth, enabling a clearer path to uncovering hidden realities.