In "The Unbearable Lightness of Being," Milan Kundera suggests that the brain has a unique capacity for a kind of memory that appreciates beauty and emotion, which he refers to as "poetic memory." This part of our memory captures experiences and feelings that resonate deeply and enrich our lives, indicating that our connections to beauty and love are more than mere recollections; they are integral to our existence.

Kundera emphasizes that love starts as a metaphor, signifying that the initial encounter with a significant person marks the beginning of these profound emotional recordings. He proposes that when a woman expresses herself, it creates a lasting impression in our poetic memory, which in turn can spark the development of love and meaningful relationships.