In "Lonesome Dove," Augustus highlights the importance of confronting one's mistakes rather than avoiding them. He suggests that avoiding mistakes can lead to greater pain when they finally resurface. Instead, facing them regularly can make dealing with life's challenges more manageable and less daunting.
Augustus compares this approach to a dry shave—a minor discomfort that becomes routine. By embracing the reality of one's errors daily, one can learn and grow while minimizing the sting of regret, thus turning potentially painful experiences into valuable lessons.