The quote reflects on the idea that as we grow older, we gain knowledge and insight about life and its complexities. However, this understanding often comes after significant life choices have already been made when we were still unsuspecting and uninformed. It highlights the irony that many decisions that shape our lives are made during periods of ignorance.

Milan Kundera suggests that this realization can lead to feelings of regret as we recognize how much we have yet to grasp about our own existence. The journey of learning about ourselves and the world can lead to reflections on the paths we've taken, emphasizing the sometimes irreversible nature of our earlier choices.