Man knows he cannot embrace the universe with all it's sums and stars. But he finds it unbearable to be condemned to lose the second infinity as well, the one so close, so nearly within reach. Tamina lost the infinity of her love, I lost my father, we all lose whatever we do, because if it is perfection we are after, we must go to the heart of the matter, and we can never quite reach it.
by Milan Kundera
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The quote reflects on the inherent limitations of human understanding and experience. It suggests that while we realize we cannot fully grasp the vastness of the universe, it is even more painful to acknowledge the loss of personal connections and relationships that feel so close yet ultimately elude us. This notion resonates deeply with the individual experiences of loss and longing, highlighting our struggle against the finite nature of life and the connections we cherish.

Tamina's loss of love and the speaker's loss of his father symbolize the personal infinities that remain just beyond our reach. They embody the pursuit of perfection and fulfillment in our lives, a pursuit that is perpetually unattainable. Kundera's reflection emphasizes that in striving for deeper understanding and connection, we often confront the inevitability of loss, reminding us of the fragile impermanence that defines our existence.

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