It seemed to me an error in reasoning for a man to isolate a woman he loves from all the circumstances in which he met her and in which she lives, to try, with dogged inner concentration, to purify her of everything that is not her self, which is to say also of the story that they lived through together and that gives their love its shape.
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The quote reflects the idea that love cannot exist in a vacuum, detached from the individual's context and experiences. It suggests that attempting to strip away a person's past or the influences surrounding her is a misguided approach to understanding and loving her. The author argues that these elements are intrinsic to her identity and play a crucial role in shaping their relationship.
Kundera emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the full narrative of a loved one, as it contributes to the essence of their bond. Love is not just about the individual but also about the shared experiences, memories, and the stories that define their connection. Removing these layers undermines the reality of their relationship and diminishes the richness it could provide.
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