"I think I'm in the same mood as ever, but in some ways more mature. I guess you could say that, at 65, when you've seen the world shape up as I have, there are only two things you can do: laugh or kill yourself"

John Le Carre's quote speaks with the concept of aging and the knowledge that includes it. He recommends that, after seeing the world shape up, one can either select to laugh or kill themselves. This recommends that, with age, comes a higher understanding of the world and its complexities. It likewise indicates that, with age, comes a higher appreciation for the beauty and delight of life, as well as a greater understanding of the darker aspects of life. This quote speaks with the idea that, with age, comes a higher gratitude for life and the ability to discover pleasure in the middle of darkness. It likewise talks to the concept that, with age, comes a higher understanding of the world and its intricacies, and the ability to accept them and discover joy in them.