The quote "You get more misanthropic every day. I get older every day. My experience of human nature gets wider and deeper." from Richard Russo's book "Straight Man" reflects a juxtaposition of growing cynicism and the accumulation of life experiences. It suggests that as one ages, they may become increasingly disillusioned with humanity, yet simultaneously gain a richer understanding of its complexities and nuances.
This duality captures the essence of the aging process, where the more one observes the world, the more they might feel detached or critical of it. However, this also leads to a deeper insight into human nature, highlighting a paradox where increased wisdom may coexist with heightened skepticism.