Context

Oof, this is a bummer of a line, don't you think?

In fact, it's the last line of The Catcher in the Rye, the last thought Holden has as he sums up his story, or what we learn is his English paper.

All of the reminiscing that Holden has done makes him miss the people who have played a role in his life, even "that goddamn Maurice," who was the pimp from the hotel.

And because missing people hurts, Holden advises not to let people know you in the first place.

Where you've heard it

This quote has been interpreted a couple of different ways. Some people think it's uplifting—that Holden's cynicism is beginning to lessen as he realizes the value of human relationships.

Other critics think he is just as isolated as he has always been. The loss of his brother Allie has haunted him and made him scared to let anyone else in lest he suffer the same loss.

So wherever you've heard it, we're sure you've heard it with opinions attached.

Pretentious Factor

If you were to drop this quote at a dinner party, would you get an in-unison "awww" or would everyone roll their eyes and never invite you back? Here it is, on a scale of 1-10.

Maybe it's a bit cynical, but at least not in a whiny/angst-y/typical Holden-y sort of way. It's actually pretty sentimental—for Holden at least.