"If we know anything about man, it's that he's not pacific. The temptation to butcher anyone considered undesirable seems to be a common temptation, not always resisted"

Larry McMurtry's quote offers an extensive reflection on the darker aspects of human nature, recommending that intrinsic to our humankind is a tendency towards violence and exemption. By utilizing the term "not pacific", McMurtry suggests that humans are instinctively inclined towards conflict instead of peace. This viewpoint can be comprehended through the lens of history, psychology, and sociology, which typically illustrate humans as dealing with their baser instincts regardless of desires for peace and coexistence.

The "temptation to butcher anybody considered undesirable" talks to the repeating theme of 'otherness' and how it has traditionally justified acts of aggressiveness and violence. Throughout history, people or groups defined as various-- whether by race, religion, ideology, or other attributes-- have actually often been marginalized or worse, taken advantage of. This propensity to dehumanize those who are considered as the 'other' suggests a fundamental flaw in human societies which focus on homogeneity and conformity, typically at the cost of compassion and understanding.

McMurtry's phrase "a common temptation, not constantly withstood" highlights the concept that while this inclination towards violence and exemption may be extensive, it is not insurmountable. The acknowledgment that it is "not constantly resisted" recommends that there are circumstances where people and societies pick compassion and understanding over aggression. This duality highlights the potential for modification and moral advancement, suggesting that while violence may be a recurring style, it is not an unavoidable outcome.

This quote challenges us to reflect on the underlying causes of conflict and to question what measures can be taken to promote a more inclusive and serene society. It welcomes self-questioning on our individual and cumulative responsibilities to withstand these temptations, to construct bridges rather than burn them, and to broaden our definitions of who is thought about desirable or worthy of compassion and respect.