In this quote, Lawrence Durrell suggests that to truly understand or reach the level of reality, one must learn to disregard it when necessary. This implies that sometimes, distancing oneself from reality allows for a deeper or clearer perception of truths, ideas, or creativity without being overwhelmed or constrained by the immediate facts of the external world.

The quote emphasizes the importance of selective perception, indicating that mastery involves knowing when to pay attention to reality and when to ignore it to foster imagination, insight, or personal growth. Durrell's words highlight the nuanced relationship between perception and reality in the pursuit of understanding and artistic expression.