The quote from Milan Kundera's "The Unbearable Lightness of Being" reflects on the nature of memory and the fear of being forgotten. It suggests that before people fade into obscurity, their essence is often transformed into something superficial or trivial, which is termed as kitsch. This transformation serves as a temporary preservation of identity, albeit in a less meaningful way.

Kitsch represents a superficial version of what once was, emphasizing a transition between existence and being lost to time. It highlights the struggle individuals face in maintaining significance, as they navigate the line between true remembrance and the hollow replication of their lives in the form of popular culture and commodification.