The quote from Cormac McCarthy's "Blood Meridian" suggests that true mastery over the Earth comes from understanding and confronting the rawness of nature. It implies that human beings are often subjugated by the forces of nature, bound by its laws and conditions. The idea of “enslavement” indicates that despite humanity's advancements, we remain vulnerable to the primal power of nature.
Furthermore, McCarthy posits that to fully assert control over the Earth, humanity must strip away the superficial layers of existence that obscure true understanding. This notion emphasizes the need to confront the essence of each entity in the natural world, fostering a profound relationship between man and his environment. The quote underscores a philosophical perspective on existence, authority, and our connection to the natural world.