In "Darker Than You Think" by Jack Williamson, the protagonist grapples with the tension between belief in the supernatural and a rational, scientific worldview. He acknowledges the existence of hell, not as a literal place, but as a metaphorical construct where individuals confront their inner turmoil and guilt. The essence of his philosophy highlights the human tendency to create personal hells filled with imagined demons that reflect their fears and sins.

The dark man in the narrative articulates the idea that each person is responsible for their own suffering, as they create and populate their personal hells with their innermost fears. He suggests that by exploring these internal struggles, one can reveal them for what they truly are, often discovering that they are less terrifying than initially believed. This exploration serves as a pathway to understanding oneself and alleviating the pain associated with these self-imposed demons.