"But the same thing was true in the army. You slept in a barracks with all kinds of people of every nationality, every trade, every character and quality you can imagine, and that was a good experience"

This quote by Shelby Foote talks to the significance of variety and the worth of learning to live and deal with people of various backgrounds. Foote suggests that his experience in the army, where he was exposed to individuals of different citizenships, trades, and characters, was a positive one. He suggests that this experience taught him to value and appreciate individuals who are various from him, and to understand that everyone has something to offer. This quote motivates us to welcome variety and to recognize the value of gaining from people who are various from us. It is a suggestion that we can all take advantage of being exposed to various perspectives and experiences.