He remained annoyed with himself until he realized that not knowing what he wanted was actually quite natural. We can never know what to want, because, living only one life, we can never compare it with our previous lives nor perfect it in our lives to come.
The quote from Milan Kundera’s "The Unbearable Lightness of Being" reflects on the difficulty of knowing one's desires and aspirations. The character's annoyance stems from the expectation that one should have clear goals and a sense of purpose, yet this frustration is challenged by the realization that ambiguity in desire is a fundamental aspect of the human experience.
By acknowledging that we only live one life, Kundera suggests that we cannot effectively compare our current desires with past experiences or future possibilities. This acceptance allows for a broader understanding of life’s inherent uncertainties, encouraging individuals to embrace the fluidity of wanting instead of feeling burdened by a need for clarity.
