The character reflects on a lifetime filled with harrowing experiences, each one reinforcing a bleak view of humanity. The memories of historical atrocities like the Holocaust and Jonestown, as well as the personal witnessing of events such as the Vietnam War and disasters like Chernobyl, have contributed to a sense of disillusionment. This history weighs heavily on him, indicating that the longer one lives, the more one may struggle with the dark aspects of human nature.

Alecto's contemplation stems from the burden of having witnessed significant moments of tragedy and conflict throughout his life. This accumulation of events leads him to question the goodness of humanity, suggesting that a long life can bring not only wisdom but also a painful awareness of its darker sides. His weary acknowledgment of his experiences signals the toll that these observations have taken on his outlook, leaving him cynical yet profoundly aware of the complexities of the human condition.