In Milan Kundera's "The Unbearable Lightness of Being," he explores the complexity of compassion, which he describes as co-feeling. This concept emphasizes that true compassion involves experiencing not just the suffering of others, but also sharing in their entire emotional spectrum, including joy and happiness as well as anxiety and pain. It highlights the interconnectedness of human experiences and the depth of emotional engagement with others.
Kundera suggests that to truly connect with someone, one must go beyond mere sympathy and embrace a full range of emotions. This idea encourages readers to reflect on the importance of empathy in relationships and the shared nature of human existence. Living with others' feelings fosters a deeper understanding and a sense of solidarity in both good times and bad.