The quote suggests that human emotions, like tears and laughter, are timeless and universally shared. Every tear shed by one person is matched by laughter from another, emphasizing the cyclical nature of joy and sorrow. Beckett urges us not to label our current era as more unfortunate than previous times, pointing out that unhappiness has always been part of the human experience.

However, he also cautions against idealizing the present, indicating that it may not be inherently better than the past. This perspective invites reflection on the complexity of life, where both suffering and happiness coexist across different eras. Beckett’s message serves as a reminder of the enduring nature of human emotions through time.