The gigantic invisible broom that transforms, disfigures, erases landscapes has been at the job for millennia now, but its movements, which used to be slow, just barely perceptible, have sped up so much that I wonder: Would an Odyssey even be conceivable today? Is the epic of the return still pertinent to our time?
by Milan Kundera
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Milan Kundera, in his book "Ignorance," reflects on the profound changes that have taken place in the world due to a relentless, metaphorical force likened to a gigantic invisible broom. This force has the capacity to reshape and erase landscapes, highlighting the speed of transformation that has accelerated over centuries. Kundera questions the relevance of the classic heroic journey, such as Homer's Odyssey, in the context of our rapidly changing world, pondering whether the longing for home and the epic path of return still resonate today.

The author suggests that the essence of such journeys may have become overshadowed by contemporary realities. As the world transforms at an unprecedented rate, the once slow and subtle changes in our environments now happen almost instantaneously, challenging the traditional narratives of exploration and return. Kundera's thoughts invite readers to consider how these shifts impact our understanding of belonging and memory in a modern context, ultimately questioning whether our contemporary experiences still align with the timeless themes of journey and return.

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February 23, 2025

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