In the excerpt from Milan Kundera's "Ignorance," the protagonist reflects on his troubled relationship with memory. He acknowledges that his memories often betray him, casting doubt on his past experiences and choices. This realization leads him to attempt to overlook these memories, hoping to foster a kinder perspective on his life. Despite his efforts, he finds no solace in reminiscing and consciously chooses to avoid it whenever he can.

This struggle illustrates a deeper human conflict where the past is not merely a collection of events but a source of pain and misinterpretation. The character's desire to escape the burden of his memories reveals the complexities of living with regret and the difficulty of reconciling one's identity with the way they perceive their history. Ultimately, this avoidance underscores a theme of the book, highlighting how memory can both enrich and complicate life.