In Larry McMurtry's "Lonesome Dove," the character expresses a profound sense of pride and integrity, emphasizing that a deep personal loss threatens to erase their sense of self. For them, maintaining their dignity is paramount, and losing it would render everything else trivial. This sentiment highlights the conflict between external circumstances and internal values, contrasting personal honor with broader experiences.

The quote conveys a powerful message about self-worth and the consequences of losing one's pride. The character suggests that when faced with such a loss, they would prefer to forfeit any other aspects of life rather than compromise their vanity, illustrating the intricate relationship between identity, pride, and personal integrity in the narrative.