In "The Moviegoer," Walker Percy emphasizes the significance of self-discovery and awareness in life. He suggests that recognizing the potential for a search or quest is a crucial step towards finding purpose and meaning. This idea implies that when individuals become conscious of their desire to seek, they are moving toward something meaningful, indicating growth and hope.

Conversely, Percy highlights that a lack of awareness or direction leads to despair. Without the motivation to explore inner questions and the external world, individuals may feel lost and unfulfilled. Therefore, engaging in the quest for understanding oneself and one’s surroundings is essential for overcoming feelings of emptiness and achieving a sense of fulfillment.