In "Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail '72," Hunter S. Thompson reflects on the mundane lives of those living in the rural west, particularly in jackrabbit country. He suggests that the monotony of life in such places can lead people to seek out excitement through risky behavior. The quote captures the thrill they find in dangerous antics, such as sprinting across roads just in time to avoid oncoming vehicles.

This sense of thrill highlights a deeper commentary on human nature and the lengths to which people will go to escape boredom. Thompson's work often delves into the underlying motivations driving behaviors that might seem reckless, revealing a desire for adrenaline and a break from the monotony of daily life, which is a recurring theme in his exploration of American culture.