!Do you realise what is the eternal precondition of tragedy? The existence of ideals which are considered more valuable than human life. {...} Thy drive you to your death because presumably there is something greater than your life. War can only exist in a world of tragedy. {...} The age of tragedy can be ended any by the revolt of frivolity. {...} Frivolity is a radical diet for weight-reduction. things will lose ninety percent of their meaning and will become light. In such a weightless environment fanaticism will disappear. War will become impossible.
The essence of tragedy lies in the existence of ideals that overshadow human life, leading individuals to sacrifice themselves for something perceived as greater. This mentality breeds conflict, as wars are rooted in these tragic ideals. The absence of such values would signify a break from the age of tragedy, allowing for a world that values lighter, more frivolous pursuits.
Embracing frivolity could fundamentally change our perspective, reducing the significance of previously held beliefs and ideals. In this lighter existence, the fervor that fuels fanaticism would dissipate, making war an impossibility and promoting a more peaceful state of being. Kundera suggests that shedding the weight of heavy ideals can lead to a more harmonious society.
