The novel is the fruit of a human illusion. The illusion of the power to understand others. But what do we know of one another?
The quote reflects the essence of human connections and the limitations inherent in our understanding of one another. In Milan Kundera's "The Book of Laughter and Forgetting," he explores the idea that novels, as a representation of thought and emotion, stem from an illusion—the belief that we can truly know another person's experiences and inner life. This highlights the complexities of communication and empathy in human relationships.
Kundera suggests that despite our attempts to bridge the gap between ourselves and others, our understanding is often superficial. The novel becomes a medium for examining these illusions, emphasizing that while we may strive to comprehend each other's feelings and motives, true understanding remains elusive. Ultimately, the work invites readers to ponder the depths of human experience and the ineffable aspects of personal connection.
