Quote: Why is it that we rejoice...

[Tom]

Hi

Could you please help me with the bold part of the given quote?

Why is it that we rejoice at a birth and grieve at a funeral? It is because we are not the person involved.

Tom

[Yankee]

Hi Tom

I find it hard to believe that you can't figure this one out.

The sentence rephrased:
Do we do this because we're happy not to be the baby and sad not to be the dead person?

Amy
_________________
Amy
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ESL teacher, translator, and a native speaker of American English

[Tom]

[Yankee]

Hi Tom

Probably Twain wanted to suggest that many people would not like to relive their lives. Childhood and growing up can be difficult and filled with mistakes. People are happy not to have to repeat difficult parts of their lives.

On the other hand, Twain also suggests that people think "Thank God it wasn't me that died!" when they go to a funeral i.e., they're happy to still be alive.

Amy
_________________
Amy
.
ESL teacher, translator, and a native speaker of American English