The quote reflects a deep sense of shared suffering, suggesting that if someone is experiencing a difficult or painful decline, it is only fair that others around them share in that misery. This perspective aligns with the idea that human nature has a complicated relationship with both good and bad sides, as individuals can find themselves entangled with their less admirable qualities. The acknowledgment of this darkness hints at a universal truth about human experiences and relationships.

In "Thinner," Richard Bachman, a pseudonym for Stephen King, explores themes of inherent flaws within people, indicating that everyone possesses some level of selfishness or malice. The notion that we are all "gold-plated bastards" symbolizes how our darker traits are inseparable from our identities. Ultimately, this reflection on the nature of humanity reveals how interconnected our experiences are, especially when it comes to pain and suffering.