Another theme in the book is dedication. In Louis L'Amour's unusual and perpetual education, his work and in his writing, there is one strong theme that emerges. No matter what L'Amour took on, he was dedicated to seeing it through to a successful conclusion. One could say that he did not see his formal education through. While that is a true statement, quitting school was something that was not in his control. At sixteen, the nation was nearing the Great Depression and families like Louis L'Amour's were already suffering.