The quote from Wallace Stegner's "Crossing to Safety" suggests that the routine of habit offers a sense of security, even when those habits are not genuinely felt or are artificially maintained. It implies that people often cling to familiar patterns as a means of coping with uncertainty, reinforcing their stability through consistent behavior.

Stegner’s insight reflects the human tendency to seek comfort in the predictable, even if that predictability is constructed rather than authentic. This notion raises questions about the nature of our actions and the ways we create a facade of security in our lives, highlighting the profound impact of habits on our mental and emotional well-being.