There was no degree of competence that would assure anyone of survival, and no scale that would tell a commander which man would live and which man would die.
The quote from Larry McMurtry's "Streets of Laredo" emphasizes the unpredictable nature of survival in dire situations. It suggests that no level of skill or training can guarantee that a person will survive a crisis. This inherent uncertainty adds to the tension and fear in life-or-death scenarios, highlighting the randomness of fate that can determine who lives or dies.
This perspective challenges the notion that competence alone can ensure safety or success. It serves as a reminder that in unpredictable circumstances, elements beyond control come into play, rendering calculations and strategies futile in the face of harsh reality.
