In "Cities of the Plain" by Cormac McCarthy, the idea of perseverance is highlighted through the quote, "There ain't no virtue in quittin what you ain't able any longer to do in the first place." This suggests that giving up on something that one never had the capacity to achieve in the first place lacks merit. It raises questions about the nature of effort and the definitions of success and failure.
The quote emphasizes the importance of understanding one's limits and recognizing when persistence is futile. It challenges the reader to reflect on their own struggles and the value of continuing to push forward, even when the outcome seems uncertain. Ultimately, McCarthy encourages a deeper contemplation of resilience and the motivations behind our choices.