This quote from William Faulkner's "Light in August" emphasizes the urgency and instinctual nature of human actions in life-threatening situations. When faced with extreme danger, individuals are often driven by instinct rather than the desire to label their behavior as courageous or cowardly. The focus shifts to survival, leaving little room for philosophical pondering about their motivations.

Faulkner underlines the idea that in critical moments, the distinction between courage and cowardice can blur. This perspective challenges readers to consider how judgments about bravery are often secondary to the immediate impulses that guide our responses in crisis. Ultimately, the quote reminds us that human reactions are complex and shaped by circumstances, highlighting the raw emotions at play when confronting life or death situations.