In this passage from Cormac McCarthy's "The Crossing," a character reflects on the reliability of people when it comes to keeping their promises regarding their presence at certain places. He observes that throughout his life, everyone he has encountered has provided a reason for not being where they said they would be, implying that excuses are common. However, he reaches a stark conclusion about the nature of these promises.

The character argues that the underlying issue is the lack of credibility in people's words. He suggests that when someone fails to follow through, it ultimately boils down to the fact that their word cannot be trusted. This perspective highlights a deep skepticism about human nature and suggests that the truth behind unfulfilled promises is a fundamental flaw in the integrity of individuals.