The quote illustrates the profound impact of deprivation on one's desires and aspirations. It compares a person with unfulfilled needs to someone who has gone without food for a long time, resulting in a diminished capacity for hunger. This metaphor highlights how neglecting one’s wants can lead to a stunted sense of purpose and yearning, mirroring the physical reaction of a starving individual.

In Lonesome Dove, Larry McMurtry emphasizes the emotional and spiritual emptiness that can arise from a refusal to seek what one truly wants. The comparison serves as a poignant reminder that avoiding desires can shrink one's emotional landscape, making it difficult to embrace life's opportunities and experiences. Ultimately, it speaks to the necessity of nurturing one's needs and aspirations for a fulfilling existence.