In Cormac McCarthy's novel "No Country for Old Men," the characters experience a shifting moral landscape where traditional values seem to be eroding. The quote, "Any time you quit hearin Sir and Mam the end is pretty much in sight," suggests that the loss of respect and formalities signifies a deeper societal decay. The absence of such respectful language implies a decline in civility and a move towards chaos.

This statement reflects the overarching themes of the novel, where the struggles between good and evil become increasingly pronounced. As the characters navigate a world rife with violence and moral ambiguity, McCarthy poignantly illustrates that the deterioration of social norms foreshadows dire consequences for individuals and society as a whole.