You have to look!" Johnnie Walker commanded. "That's another one of our rules. Closing your eyes isn't going to change anything. Nothing's going to disappear just because you can't see what going on. In fact, things will be even worse the next time you open your eyes. That's the kind of world we live in, Mr. Nakata. Keep your eyes wide open. Only a coward closes his eyes. Closing your eyes and plugging up your ears won't make time stand still.
In "Kafka on the Shore," Johnnie Walker emphasizes the importance of facing reality rather than avoiding it. He asserts that closing one's eyes or shutting oneself off from the world doesn't make problems vanish; in fact, it only exacerbates them. This message resonates deeply, highlighting the necessity of confronting one's fears and challenges directly.
The quote illustrates a core theme of the novel: the significance of awareness and acceptance in navigating life's complexities. It serves as a reminder that passive avoidance is a cowardly approach, and true bravery involves keeping one's eyes open to the truths, however uncomfortable they may be.
