The quote from Cormac McCarthy's "Blood Meridian" suggests that there is a deceptive quality inherent in what appears clear and bright. This idea points to the notion that perceptions and understandings can be manipulated, specifically by revisiting past events. The implication is that what we see in a retrospective light may not always be the truth, as it can lead individuals towards misleading futures.
This notion of deception underscores the complex relationship between memory, perception, and destiny. The reference to a "fixed part of a journey" suggests that the past can be reinterpreted, leading to altered perceptions of our pathways in life. Thus, it warns of the potential pitfalls of relying solely on our perceptions of the past, as they can guide us toward paths that may not be genuinely reflective of reality.