In Cormac McCarthy's "Blood Meridian, or the Evening Redness in the West," the concept of war is presented as a fundamental aspect of human existence. The quote emphasizes that war existed long before humanity and will continue to exist indefinitely. It suggests that war is an inevitable part of life, patiently waiting for humans to engage with it, indicating a perpetual cycle that defines the human experience.

The idea reflects a bleak understanding of human nature, where conflict and violence are viewed as innate traits. McCarthy portrays war not just as a practice but as a profound and ultimate condition of life, underscoring its historical and existential significance. This perspective challenges readers to contemplate the inevitability of strife and the darker aspects of humanity that seem to predestine us for conflict.