The quote reflects a critique of how some individuals romanticize the concept of reincarnation by assuming they were noble figures in past lives. It suggests that these beliefs are often disconnected from the harsh realities of life for the majority of people in history, who faced difficult and unglamorous existences. This viewpoint highlights a tendency to overlook the struggles that everyday individuals endured throughout history.

By pointing out that most people lived in grim conditions and died young, the author emphasizes the importance of recognizing the realities of the human experience. This perspective serves as a reminder that while some may indulge in fantasies of past royalty, the true story of humanity is often much more challenging and rooted in survival rather than privilege.