In Milan Kundera's book "Encounter," he draws a distinction between the simplistic loyalty to beliefs and the deeper, more meaningful loyalty one has towards friends. This idea suggests that while people may cling to their convictions sometimes without thought, true loyalty is found in the relationships we build with others. Friendships require understanding, empathy, and commitment, making it a more profound form of loyalty.

Kundera posits that loyalty to friends is perhaps the last significant virtue left in a world that often prioritizes unwavering allegiance to ideas. This perspective emphasizes the importance of human connections over abstract beliefs, advocating for the value of maintaining friendships that nurture and support us throughout life’s complexities.