The quote from Cormac McCarthy's "The Counselor: A Screenplay" highlights the profound cruelty that can stem from cowardice. It suggests that the true face of cruelty emerges not from overt actions, but from the hesitation and fear that prevent individuals from standing up against wrongdoing. This underscores a deeper moral failure—when individuals choose inaction over confronting malevolence, they often contribute to greater harm than they realize.

Furthermore, the reference to the "slaughter to come" implies a grim inevitability tied to this cowardice, suggesting that the consequences of such inaction can result in unforeseen and devastating outcomes. McCarthy evokes a sense of dread about the potential for violence and suffering that can arise when people fail to take responsibility for their choices. It serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers of complacency in the face of moral challenges.