In "Robicheaux," James Lee Burke expresses a critical viewpoint about the tendency to understand or empathize with the actions of dysfunctional individuals. He suggests that this inclination is misguided and highlights the folly in attempting to rationalize their behavior. Instead of looking for a reason behind their actions, Burke argues that many times, such behavior lacks any coherent rationale.

By pointing out this misconception, Burke invites readers to reconsider their approach to dysfunctional individuals. He emphasizes that understanding these behaviors shouldn't be seen as a requirement for empathy, as often there is no logic to their actions. This perspective encourages a more pragmatic stance when dealing with such individuals, focusing on the reality of their behaviors rather than the flawed assumptions about their motivations.