In the quote from Cormac McCarthy's "All the Pretty Horses," the idea is presented that mere knowledge of history may not prevent society from repeating its mistakes. The author challenges the belief that learning from past events can save humanity, suggesting that inherently human flaws, such as greed, foolishness, and violence, persist through time regardless of awareness.

Moreover, McCarthy suggests that even a divine entity, possessing infinite knowledge, appears unable to alter these recurring human tendencies. This somber reflection on the nature of humanity implies a bleak outlook on our ability to learn from history and change our fundamental behaviors.