In "The Women Who Got Away," John Updike contrasts different approaches to life through the experiences of two types of individuals. Some people are intensely engaged, eager to explore and understand life on a deeper level, often feeling the heat of their passion and ambition. These individuals strive to confront the complexities of existence, sometimes feeling overwhelmed by their desires and the search for meaning.

In contrast, the subject of the quote embodies a more laid-back, passive approach to life. He represents someone who allows experiences to come to him rather than actively pursuing them. This complacency leads to a rich life filled with experiences, but at a cost—his inability to manage commitments. Updike suggests that while both ways of engaging with life can be valid, the consequences of each approach reveal much about one’s character and priorities.