The German saying emphasizes the fleeting nature of singular experiences, suggesting that if an event occurs just once, it may as well be considered insignificant. This notion points to the belief that the significance of events in our lives might depend on their repetition or lasting impact.

Milan Kundera's "The Unbearable Lightness of Being" reflects on this theme, positing that if we have only one existence, our experiences might feel trivial. The adage raises profound questions about the meaning of life, suggesting that the weight of our choices could be rendered meaningless if they are fleeting or unique.