In the quote from Gore Vidal's "Julian," the author reflects on the complexity of human nature and self-knowledge. He suggests that while the pursuit of understanding oneself is a noble endeavor, it remains an elusive goal. The essence of humanity is filled with unpredictability, making complete self-awareness nearly impossible. This notion challenges the belief that introspection will yield comprehensive knowledge of our true selves.

Vidal emphasizes that even our own identities are not fully understandable or manageable. Acknowledging the inherent strangeness within each of us, he conveys that human beings are beyond simple categorization or calculation. This perspective invites readers to embrace the mystery of human experience, reminding us that self-awareness is a journey rather than a destination.