In his book "Lost in the Cosmos: The Last Self-Help Book," Walker Percy highlights the inherent challenge of semiotics, the study of signs and symbols. He emphasizes that as humans are fundamentally sign users, the field of semiotics could easily become overly broad. This expansive nature risks making it difficult to pinpoint specific meanings or purposes, veering toward the notion that it could encompass everything and ultimately lead to a lack of significant focus.

This observation underscores a critical dilemma within semiotics: the balance between the expansive potential of sign interpretation and the necessity for clear, meaningful communication. Percy suggests that while exploring the myriad ways signs influence human behavior, one must be cautious not to dilute the discipline to a point where it loses relevance and depth. This tension invites further reflection on how we engage with signs in our everyday lives.