In Cormac McCarthy's novel "The Road," the protagonist expresses deep skepticism about idealistic dreams during challenging times. He believes that when one is facing danger, the only appropriate aspirations should align with the threats and struggles they encounter. This perspective highlights a survivalist mentality, where focusing on peril is necessary for staying alert and resilient rather than succumbing to comfort or complacency.

This sentiment emphasizes the harsh realities of the world depicted in the book, where hope can often seem like a distraction from survival. The protagonist's distrust of more comforting dreams underscores a theme of the novel: the necessity of confronting and accepting bleak truths to navigate a world filled with threats and uncertainties.