In Milan Kundera's book "Immortality," he explores the unsettling notion that people often believe animals cannot suffer in the same way humans do. This belief serves as a comforting illusion that allows individuals to avoid confronting the harsh realities of the natural world, which can often be filled with cruelty and pain.

Kundera suggests that if society acknowledged that animals experience suffering similar to humans, it would create a heavier emotional burden. This awareness could lead to a paralyzing realization about the pervasive horror present in nature, demanding a deeper reflection on empathy and the human condition.