We will never be able to establish with certainty to what extent our relationships with others are the product of our feelings, our love, our heartbreak, goodness or evil, and to what extent are the result of the relationship of forces existing between them and us . The true goodness of man can only manifest himself with absolute cleanliness and freedom in relation to who does not represent any force. The true proof of the morality of humanity, the deepest {located to such depth that escapes our perception}, lies in their relationship with those who are at their mercy: animals.
The quote reflects on the complexity of human relationships, suggesting that it is difficult to determine how much they stem from our emotions, such as love or heartbreak, versus the underlying power dynamics at play. It implies that our connections with others may be influenced by both internal feelings and external circumstances, making it challenging to discern their true nature.
Kundera proposes that genuine goodness in humanity can only be observed when people interact with those who do not exert any influence over them, particularly in their treatment of animals. He believes that the core of human morality is revealed through such vulnerable relationships, highlighting a deep and often unnoticed aspect of our nature that reflects our ethical standing.