The quote from "The Ghost in the Shell - Stand Alone Complex" by Shirow Masamune reflects the idea that robots, unlike humans, do not experience genuine emotions. Instead, their behavior, such as smiling, is a result of programming rather than an intrinsic desire. This distinction highlights the fundamental difference between human emotional experiences and robotic functions.

This perspective raises questions about the nature of consciousness and the authenticity of emotions in both humans and machines. As technology develops, the lines between human-like behaviors and programmed responses become increasingly blurred, prompting deeper discussions about identity, empathy, and what it means to be truly alive.