What is the nature of the search? you ask. Really it is very simple, at least for a fellow like me; so simple that it is easily overlooked. The search is what anyone would undertake if he were not sunk in the everydayness of his own life. This morning, for example, I felt as if I had come to myself on a strange island. And what does such a cast away do? Why he pokes around the neighborhood and he doesn't miss a trick. To become aware of the search is to be onto something. Not to be onto something is to be in despair.
In Walker Percy's "The Moviegoer," the protagonist reflects on the essence of life's search for meaning, describing it as a fundamental endeavor easily overlooked by those entrenched in their daily routines. This quest often manifests when one feels disoriented, akin to being stranded on an unfamiliar island, prompting a natural instinct to explore and understand one's surroundings. Recognizing this search signifies a deeper awareness of life's purpose.
The act of searching gives life a sense of direction, contrasting sharply with the despair felt by those who are oblivious to their own need for exploration. Engaging with the world and being mindful of one's existence can lead to a more fulfilling life. Percy suggests that awareness of this journey is essential for overcoming inertia and finding meaning beyond the mundane aspects of daily life.