In "Lonesome Dove" by Larry McMurtry, the character experiences a profound shift in perspective as he travels through the landscape along the Rio Concho. This journey leads him to a deep realization that the material concerns of life, such as financial ledgers and worldly obligations, have lost their significance. The beauty and vastness of the natural world overshadow the mundane aspects of daily existence.

This change reflects a broader theme of self-discovery throughout the novel, highlighting how the characters grapple with their identities and priorities. The Rio Concho serves not just as a geographical marker but as a symbol of liberation from societal norms, offering a space for reflection and a reevaluation of what truly matters in life.