Kundera suggests that human existence is profoundly influenced by the way we are perceived by others. He divides people into four categories based on the type of gaze they crave; among these, the fourth category encompasses dreamers who derive their identity from the imagined perceptions of absent others. This highlights a complex relationship between self-image and societal expectations.

The dreamers represent a unique perspective on life, as they engage with their own fantasies and ideals rather than conforming to the immediate judgments of those around them. Through this lens, Kundera invites us to explore the tension between reality and imagination, emphasizing that true self-understanding often arises from envisioning how we might be seen in the absence of others' views.