This statement is the theme of both:
Life's distractions can make it difficult to know yourself.
Step-by-step explanation:
Both "Escape" and "To Live" try to find reasons for the condition of life as it is and as the author has found it to be for themselves too.
They are both trying to assert the fact that the distractions one puts up for their lives make it so difficult for the person to be in tune with who they are actually.
This is the process of building a wall against oneself because we are not comfortable looking into us and finding something that is not conferrable.