This quote by Jeanette Winterson, from Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit, touches upon the universality and often indiscriminate nature of laughter. It serves as a powerful reminder that laughter is not always an indication of mockery targeted personally at someone; rather, it can be an automatic or reflexive human response to many situations. The advice to not take laughter personally encourages emotional resilience. In a world where people are inevitably subjected to judgment and criticism, the ability to detach oneself from potentially hurtful reactions can preserve one's self-esteem and peace of mind.

Moreover, this quote calls attention to the subjective nature of perception. What causes laughter for one person might be a source of joy or humor, but for another, it can be misunderstanding or discomfort. This difference highlights the importance of empathy but also the necessity to develop a strong internal framework so external reactions do not unduly influence one's self-worth.

Emotionally, this insight is liberating. It means that laughter, while sometimes uncomfortable or embarrassing, need not be internalized as a personal attack. Instead, it may be best viewed as part of the rich and varied human experience, something from which to grow rather than recoil. Such a perspective fosters not only self-confidence but also encourages us to embrace authenticity without fear of superficial judgments.