The quote reflects a profound observation about the human experience and our relationship with modernity. It suggests that individuals have become detached from the simple joys of life, such as walking, and instead opt for more mechanized, faster ways of living. The desire to walk and appreciate the journey has diminished, replaced by an impatience for immediate satisfaction.

Additionally, Kundera contrasts the concept of life as a pathway with the more impersonal notion of a highway, indicating a loss of individuality and personal connection to one's journey. This shift points to a broader commentary on how society prioritizes speed and convenience over meaningful engagement with one's existence.