--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Long before morning I knew that what I…" description: "\"Long before morning I knew that what I was seeking to discover was a thing I'd always known. That all courage was a form of constancy. That it is alway..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5c0/cormac-mccarthy-181_abandoned_long-before-morning-i-knew-that-what-i-w_2418022.jpg" --- # Long before morning I knew that what I was seeking to… ![“Long before morning I knew that what I was seeking to discover was a thing I'd always known. That all courage was a form of constancy. That it is always himself that the coward abandoned first. After this all other betrayals come easily.” quote by Cormac McCarthy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5c0/cormac-mccarthy-181_abandoned_long-before-morning-i-knew-that-what-i-w_2418022.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5c0/cormac-mccarthy-181_abandoned_long-before-morning-i-knew-that-what-i-w_2418022.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5c0/cormac-mccarthy-181_abandoned_long-before-morning-i-knew-that-what-i-w_2418022.jpg) > “Long before morning I knew that what I was seeking to discover was a thing I'd always known. That all courage was a form of constancy. That it is always himself that the coward abandoned first. After this all other betrayals come easily.” [Cormac McCarthy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cormac-mccarthy/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The quote reflects that true courage is steadfastness, and that cowardice is the first betrayal, leading to further betrayals. **In simple terms:** Courage is constancy; cowardice breeds betrayal. Key Takeaway Cultivate steadfastness, avoid betrayal. Themes courage betrayal integrity human nature philosophy Mood reflective serious Type philosophical literary When to use this quote - personal growth - leadership - conflict resolution - ethical decision making Key Concepts existentialism morality character resilience Questions to Reflect On - Do you equate courage with unchanging resolve? - When is adaptability more courageous than stubbornness? A Different Perspective It may overlook contexts where flexibility, not constancy, is vital. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Betrayal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/betrayal/) [Constancy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/constancy/) [Courage](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/courage/) [Morning](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/morning/) [Steadfastness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/steadfastness/) [Truthfulness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/truthfulness/) ## Related quotes > [“I knew that what I was seeking to discover was a thing I'd always known. That all courage was a form of constancy. 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Never think you have enough…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-brockden-brown/confide-not-in-the-firmness-of-your-principles-or-the-steadfastness/) [Charles Brockden Brown](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-brockden-brown/) > [As you allow the beloved to grow within you, you will discover a steadfastness to the spiritual journey.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jean-houston/as-you-allow-the-beloved-to-grow-within-you-you-will-discover-a/) [Jean Houston](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jean-houston/) ## More by Cormac McCarthy > [The cooler days have brought a wistful mood upon him. The smell of coalsmoke in the air at night. Old times, dead years. For…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cormac-mccarthy/the-cooler-days-have-brought-a-wistful-mood-upon-him-the-smell-of/) [Cormac McCarthy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cormac-mccarthy/) > [“The events of the world can have no separate life from the world. 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