In "The Unbearable Lightness of Being," the character Sabina believes that true authenticity in life is unattainable when in the presence of others. She argues that the awareness of being observed influences individuals to modify their actions and expressions, leading to a loss of genuine self and honesty in their work. The pressure to consider others' perceptions results in emotional dishonesty.

Sabina implies that to be truly oneself, one must exist away from the scrutiny of others. The act of creating and living becomes intertwined with deceptive tendencies when social interactions come into play, ultimately suggesting that solitude may be a path to authenticity.