The protagonist in Sinclair Lewis's "Babbitt" experiences a deep realization that escaping from his problems is futile. He realizes that attempting to flee from his life and responsibilities will not free him from his own thoughts and identity. This introspection reveals the complexity of self-awareness and the notion that one cannot simply change their circumstances by physically leaving.

This insight prompts a contemplation of the nature of self and the challenges of personal fulfillment within societal confines. The idea suggests that true change must come from within, and that any attempt to evade one's reality is ultimately an exercise in futility, leaving the core self unchanged.