In this quote from Cormac McCarthy's "All the Pretty Horses," the author reflects on the nature of history and the limitations of our understanding of it. He suggests that history lacks control groups, meaning we cannot know what might have happened differently. This uncertainty leads to a lament over missed opportunities, as there is no alternative reality to explore. McCarthy challenges the belief that knowledge of history can prevent us from repeating past mistakes, indicating that human nature is often governed by persistent flaws.

He emphasizes that greed, foolishness, and violence are recurring themes throughout history. Even with complete knowledge, these human tendencies remain unchanged and seem beyond divine influence. McCarthy's perspective is somewhat nihilistic, suggesting that despite our efforts to learn from history, the darker aspects of humanity persist across time. This underscores a poignant and sobering view of the human condition and our relationship with history.