People
A cynic is a man who, when he smells flowers, looks around for a coffin.
— H. L. Mencken
Behind the line May contain spoilers.
Our reading
An editorial interpretation.
A cynic, in this saying, is someone whose reflex on catching the scent of flowers is to search for a coffin. It mocks the habit of expecting death or disappointment behind every pleasure, so that even something lovely becomes a reason for gloomy suspicion.
Context reviewed