In "Cities of the Plain," Cormac McCarthy reflects on the nature of dreams and the rituals surrounding them, suggesting that they are ultimately endless pursuits. The aspirations people chase through their dreams and actions are fundamentally unattainable, as they yearn for something beyond their grasp. This creates a continual search, fueled by a profound, insatiable desire.

Despite the futility of these quests, McCarthy expresses gratitude for the existence of this yearning. The desire to seek fulfillment drives individuals to strive for something greater, even if that need can never be completely satisfied. It is this relentless pursuit that shapes human experience and defines the essence of their dreams.