If he had smiled why would he have smiled? To reflect that each one who enters imagines himself to be the first to enter whereas he is always the last term of a preceding series even if the first term of a succeeding one, each imagining himself to be first, last, only and alone whereas he is neither first nor last nor only nor alone in a series originating in and repeated to infinity.
In James Joyce's "Ulysses," the quote explores the complexities of human perception and individuality. It suggests that individuals often regard themselves as unique and singular in their experiences, feeling as if they are the first to embark on a journey, despite being part of a continuous cycle that stretches infinitely. This illusion of being sole or original can lead to feelings of isolation, as each person believes they stand alone in their experiences.
Moreover, the passage highlights the paradox of existence – while individuals perceive themselves as isolated and distinct, they are, in fact, interconnected within an ongoing sequence of humanity. Each person is both a continuation of past experiences and a precursor to future ones. This cyclical nature of existence emphasizes that no one is truly first, last, or alone, but rather a part of an extensive tapestry woven throughout time, further illustrating the shared human condition.
