"Backward is just not a natural direction for Americans to look - historical ignorance remains a national characteristic"

This quote by Larry McMurtry speaks with the idea that Americans have a tendency to be ignorant of their own history. He recommends that Americans are not naturally inclined to recall and assess the past, and that this lack of understanding of history is a quality of the nation as a whole. This quote indicates that Americans are more focused on the present and the future, rather than recalling and learning from the past. It likewise recommends that Americans are not particularly thinking about understanding the context of their own history, and that this lack of understanding can be destructive to the nation. McMurtry's quote is a reminder that it is very important to be aware of our history in order to comprehend today and make informed decisions for the future.