The quote "Once started, love couldn't easily be stopped" reflects the powerful and often uncontrollable nature of love, as portrayed in Larry McMurtry's novel Lonesome Dove. It suggests that love, once ignited, creates a force that individuals find difficult to resist or alter. The characters in the story grapple with the complexities of their emotions, illustrating how love can drive people to take actions that change the course of their lives.

This idea reinforces the notion that love is a transformative experience, one that can lead to both joy and heartache. McMurtry captures this duality throughout the narrative, showing how the characters are deeply affected by their connections to one another. Ultimately, this quote underscores love's profound impact, emphasizing that its consequences linger long after the initial feelings arise.