The protagonist's primary driving force is not romantic love but his commitment to his profession as a doctor. This choice stems from a profound internal urge rather than mere chance or rational decision-making. His dedication to medicine highlights a fundamental distinction in people's motivations and how these motivations shape their life paths.

Kundera suggests that individuals can be categorized by their deep-seated desires. While people may differ greatly across cultures, those drawn to specific professions, like acting, often share common aspirations and attributes. This exploration of the relationship between desire and personal identity reveals universal themes in human motivation and purpose.