The unbearable lightness of existence is one of the most important and recognized works of the Czech writer Milan Cudera. It was published in 1984; however, the story of its main characters takes place in 1968 in Prague.
Thomas, Teresa, Sabina and Franz are the four protagonists of this philosophical novel that will make more than one reader question the meaning of life, death and eternal return What would he suggest? German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, who pointed out that the experiences, thoughts and emotions experienced will be repeated over and over again, in the same way and in the same order forever.
What is this book about?
This novel takes place around Thomas, a Czechoslovak doctor living in Prague and enjoying a divorce from his many lovers; however, his life will change when he meets Theresaa naive, insecure and dependent woman who will make him question the way he has led his life.
Although both fall in love and even get married, it will be difficult for Thomas to give up his affairs, especially with Sabina, an artist without connections and social prejudice. This relationship will create insecurity for Teresa, who will at first try to cling to this relationship despite all the emotional consequences it will have on her, but she will later work up the courage to leave her husband and return to Prague, although this estrangement will be temporary.
Later, Teresa will also cheat on Thomas in order to understand what is behind the behavior of the man she loves and who was unable to devote his interest and passion exclusively to her.
On the other hand, the relationship between Sabina and Franz, break stereotypes, since she is a free woman who does not want to give her life to any man or bind herself with any obligations. On the other hand, Franz, despite the fact that he is a married man, will do everything to convince her otherwise, although in the end his efforts are futile.
This book is a love story, but a love that today would be called toxic because it is shrouded in infidelity, jealousy, lies, insecurities and many other interpersonal relationships.
On the other hand, in this book Karenin this is not just a dog, this is the creature that unites and strengthens the bond between Thomas and Teresa, but it is also a symbol of non-linear time, rather of a circular, eternal return.
Phrases that will make you think about life and love
Through various phrases, Kundera invites readers to reflect on life and death, love, coincidences and causation, fears, encounters and disagreements, passion and the search for freedom, existential crises, as well as ideology.
“Love is not manifested in the desire to sleep with someone (this desire arises in relation to countless women), but in the desire to sleep with someone (this desire arises in relation to a single woman).”
“Perhaps we are unable to love precisely because we want to be loved, because we want the other to give us something (love), instead of approaching him without demands and desiring only his presence.”
“Love is like an empire: when the idea they were built on disappears, they too perish.”
“This sadness meant: we reached the last station. This happiness meant: we are together. Sadness was the form, happiness was the content. Happiness filled the space of sadness.
“Because to love means to give up power.”
“And the fact is that the really serious questions are those that even a child can formulate. Only the most naive questions are truly serious. These are questions that don’t have answers.”
“He who seeks infinity closes his eyes.”
“Each of them created hell for the other, although they loved each other.”
“Love begins the moment a woman writes her first word into our poetic memory.”
“Only a chance can appear before us as a message. What is sure to happen, what is expected, what is repeated every day is dumb. Only chance speaks to us. bases at the bottom of the cup.
Source: Heraldo De Mexico
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