Milan Kundera’s quote highlights the profound impact that another person's suffering can have on us, suggesting that empathy can be more burdensome than our own struggles. This shared pain often feels heavier due to the emotional weight we carry as we contemplate their experience, intensifying our emotional response as we resonate with their suffering.

The quote implies that our imagination amplifies the pain of others; we not only feel their distress but also envision its ramifications, leading to a prolonged sense of sorrow. This reflection suggests that our ability to empathize is a powerful force, one that can linger and echo within us, sometimes overshadowing our own pain.