Milan Kundera, in his book "The Unbearable Lightness of Being," explores the concept of truth in relation to perception and public scrutiny. He posits that when our actions are observed, we naturally alter our behavior to accommodate that gaze, which compromises our authenticity. This constant awareness of being watched leads us to navigate life under a facade, distorting our genuine selves.

Kundera argues that maintaining an awareness of a public audience forces individuals into a pattern of deception, where their true intentions and feelings are overshadowed by the desire to conform to external expectations. Consequently, this dynamic results in a life riddled with lies, as individuals struggle to reconcile their inner truths with the pressures of societal observation.