Thou know'st the first time that we smell the air we wawl and cry. When we are born we cry, that we are come to this great state of fools.

In this quote, William Shakespeare reflects on the human condition, particularly the inherent suffering and confusion that comes with birth. The phrase "Thou know'st the first time that we smell the air we wawl and cry" suggests that from the moment of our birth, we are thrust into a world full of pain, uncertainty, and difficulty. The act of crying is not just a physical reaction but also symbolic of the struggles and hardships we are born into, which Shakespeare likens to being "come to this great state of fools." He is highlighting how life itself is a kind of foolishness, marked by confusion and hardship from the very beginning.

Shakespeare’s view in this quote reflects his broader perspective on life as a tragic and absurd journey. The imagery of crying upon birth is deeply philosophical, as it suggests that human life is full of trials from the outset, making the world seem like a place of folly. This aligns with the existential reflections seen in many of Shakespeare's works, where characters often grapple with the meaning of existence and the inevitability of suffering.

The phrase "great state of fools" underscores the idea that humanity is inherently foolish in its pursuit of meaning and happiness, as we are born into a world that challenges our understanding and purpose. Shakespeare is suggesting that, despite our best efforts, humans are ultimately confused and lost in the vastness of existence, making us, in his view, like fools who stumble through life in search of something greater.

Ultimately, this quote captures Shakespeare’s pessimistic yet realistic view of life. It reflects the humbling nature of birth and existence, suggesting that from the very beginning, we are faced with the paradox of being both alive and ignorant to the full nature of the world. Life, for Shakespeare, is marked by this fundamental contradiction, and our first cries may symbolize the confusion and folly that define our existence.