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.