Cormac McCarthy's novel "All the Pretty Horses" presents a critical perspective on the nature of history and human behavior. The quote suggests that simply knowing historical facts does not guarantee progress or prevent the recurrence of past mistakes. Instead, it emphasizes that underlying themes such as greed, folly, and violence have consistently shaped human experiences across time.

This reflects a more cynical view of humanity, proposing that regardless of our awareness of history, these negative traits continue to influence our actions. McCarthy implies that true change requires more than just knowledge; it necessitates a deeper understanding of human nature and the conscious effort to overcome these persistent flaws.