Iain M. Banks in "The State of the Art" discusses the interplay between fiction and reality, suggesting that they continuously influence each other. This interaction can lead to a distortion of our understanding of truth, where the boundaries between real experiences and fictional portrayals become blurred. Such a phenomenon prompts individuals to interpret genuine emotions and situations through the lens of established narrative tropes rather than through authentic experiences.

Banks argues that this reliance on familiar clichés from fiction can obscure the true essence of life and interpersonal relationships. As a result, people might categorize their feelings and experiences according to these fictional frameworks, losing sight of their unique realities. This commentary highlights a deeper concern about how storytelling shapes our perceptions and potentially diminishes our capacity for authentic engagement with the world.