The quote from Paul Beatty's "The Sellout" reflects on the complexity of sensitivity, particularly in adulthood. It suggests that even as people grow older and might be expected to toughen up, their emotional responses can remain deeply connected to the vulnerability they've experienced throughout their lives.

The imagery of someone revealing their sensitivity dramatically, such as crying at a funeral, underscores the idea that emotional expressions are not confined to traditional contexts. This perspective challenges the notion of emotional stoicism often associated with maturity, highlighting how personal feelings can emerge unexpectedly, even in somber situations.