The quote, "If I'd have wanted civilization I'd have stayed in Tennessee and wrote poetry for a living," from Larry McMurtry's novel "Lonesome Dove," speaks to the allure of the rugged and untamed life. The character expresses a deep-seated yearning for adventure and freedom, rejecting the comforts and constraints of civilized society. This sentiment reflects the conflicting desires for both stability and the wild, highlighting the complexities of human experience.

In "Lonesome Dove," McMurtry explores themes of friendship, exploration, and the harsh realities of life on the frontier. The quote encapsulates the protagonist's choice to embrace a life of challenge and unpredictability rather than a conforming existence. It emphasizes that true fulfillment may lie outside the boundaries of societal expectations, celebrating the spirit of exploration and individualism.