In Cormac McCarthy's "All the Pretty Horses," the protagonist expresses frustration over a perceived threat to his billiard game, symbolizing a broader concern about external influences disrupting his life. This sentiment reflects the struggle between personal values and foreign impositions, illustrating how his way of life feels jeopardized by unwelcome elements. The mention of the French serves to emphasize his disdain for perceived cultural intrusions.

The quote underscores a deeper commentary on cultural erosion, as the character believes that such 'thinking' can lead to catastrophic effects on traditional practices. It highlights a fear of losing one's identity and autonomy, revealing how the character feels besieged by forces he views as destructive. Ultimately, it represents a clash between individual integrity and outside interference in one's personal sphere.