Because beyond their practical function, all gestures have a meaning that exceeds the intention of those who make them; when people in bathing suits fling themselves into the water, it is joy itself that shows in the gesture, notwithstanding any sadness the divers may actually feel. When someone jumps into the water fully clothed, it is another thing entirely: the only person who jumps into the water fully clothed is a person trying to drown; and a person trying to drown does not dive headfirst; he lets himself fall: thus speaks the immemorial language of gestures.
Gestures carry meanings that often extend beyond the intentions of the individuals performing them. For instance, when people joyfully leap into the water in swimsuits, their movements reflect pure happiness, even if they might be experiencing personal sadness. This contrast illustrates how body language can convey emotions that tell a different story than words can.
Conversely, when someone jumps into water fully dressed, it signals desperation rather than joy. This behavior, associated with someone attempting to drown, shows a stark contrast to the playful diver, as their action is more of a resignation than an intentional dive. Kundera emphasizes the profound, sometimes contradictory meanings that gestures communicate, revealing an unspoken language we all understand.
