A man's at odds to know his mind cause his mind is aught he has to know it with. He can know his heart, but he dont want to. Rightly so. Best not to look in there. -Cormac McCarthy, Blood Meridian
The quote reflects the intricate relationship between a man's mind and heart, emphasizing the struggle to understand one’s own thoughts. It suggests that self-awareness is complicated by the fact that one's mind is the only tool available for such introspection. In a sense, this creates a paradox where understanding one’s own mind becomes a daunting task.
Furthermore, the quote implies that knowing one’s heart may come with a reluctance to confront deeper emotions or truths. It hints at the idea that sometimes ignorance or avoidance of inner feelings can be a protective measure. Overall, Mary Karr draws from Cormac McCarthy's reflections to explore the complexities of self-discovery and emotional confrontation.