The importance of being earnest quote!!?

Ok, here is my take: When matters are on the "surface", they can be superficial because you are not seeing the deeper meaning behind it. In other words, you are just seeing the "surface". So, it is that way with life often; "people only living their life in a shallow, unfulfilled and meaningless way". That is why the quote says "I regret to say". It can relate to marriage or any aspect of ones life.