In the novel "All the Pretty Horses" by Cormac McCarthy, the reflection on past regrets illustrates the profound human longing for what could have been, yet acknowledges that such possibilities are mere illusions. The narrator laments the absence of guidance about alternate histories, emphasizing a deep sense of sorrow for lost opportunities. This recognition of what never was highlights the futility of dwelling on the past and reinforces the idea that history, while rich with lessons, does not guarantee better futures.

The quote also suggests a bleak outlook on humanity's ability to learn from its experiences. Despite the adage that ignorance leads to repetition of history's mistakes, the author expresses skepticism about the effectiveness of knowledge in preventing such cycles. McCarthy posits that human tendencies toward folly and violence remain unchanged throughout history, suggesting that even divine understanding does not alter this grim reality. Ultimately, the prose contemplates the inevitability of human nature and the persistence of suffering through the ages.