The quote from Milan Kundera's "The Unbearable Lightness of Being" suggests that longing to escape one's environment signals unhappiness. It implies that a sense of dissatisfaction with one's surroundings is closely tied to feelings of discontent and a desire for change. This yearning to leave indicates an emotional struggle, possibly indicating that the individual feels trapped or unfulfilled in their current life situation.
In a broader context, the longing for departure can reflect a deeper existential search for meaning and purpose. When individuals find themselves yearning for a different place, it may reveal underlying issues with their current life circumstances, relationships, or personal aspirations. Therefore, a person's desire to leave can serve as a prompt for introspection and self-discovery, potentially leading to significant life changes or greater self-awareness.