Erich Maria Remarque Quotes

Powerful Erich Maria Remarque for Daily Growth

About Erich Maria Remarque

Erich Maria Remarque (June 22, 1898 – September 29, 1970) was a German novelist and poet best known for his first published novel, "All Quiet on the Western Front," which became an international phenomenon and established him as one of the leading voices in anti-war literature. Born in Osnabrück, Germany, Remarque grew up during the tumultuous years of World War I. His father, a bank official, enrolled Remarque in military school at age 14, where he served as an officer's orderly until his injury in 1918. These experiences deeply influenced his later writing and provided the raw material for "All Quiet on the Western Front," which depicted the horrors of trench warfare from a young German soldier's perspective. The novel, published in 1928, was an immediate success and garnered widespread acclaim for its honest portrayal of the futility of war. It also caused controversy due to its anti-war themes, leading to bans and burning of copies by the Nazi regime after Adolf Hitler came to power in 1933. Remarque left Germany in 1933, settling first in Switzerland and then in France, where he continued to write novels that reflected his pacifist beliefs. His other notable works include "The Road Back" (1931) and "Three Comrades" (1937). Throughout his life, Remarque remained committed to promoting peace and understanding between nations. He died in Denzlingen, West Germany, in 1970, leaving behind a powerful legacy as an anti-war author whose works continue to resonate with readers around the world. Some memorable quotes by Erich Maria Remarque include: 1. "Nothing ever ends. It only changes." 2. "War is cruelty, and you cannot refine it; not its profit, nor salvation, nor glory, nor honor, but only hatred, curse, revenge." 3. "The older I get, the more I feel the beauty of this world. And the sadness too." 4. "We can make peace with our fellow man, but we cannot make peace with Nature." 5. "It is not our part to master all the tides and winds of the world, but to do what is in us for the furtherance of peace and goodwill among men."

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Only the dead have seen the end of war."

This quote by Erich Maria Remarque emphasizes that those who experience the horrors of war do not get to witness its conclusion, as they are no longer alive to perceive it. In essence, he underscores the futility and devastating impact of war on humanity, reminding us that it's the innocent lives lost, rather than the cessation of conflict, that truly marks the end of war.

"We can make our plans, but in reality we are dragged along by life."

This quote by Erich Maria Remarque emphasizes that while humans have the ability to create plans for their lives, ultimately, the course of life is beyond our control. Life's unpredictable events, both positive and negative, can lead us in directions we may not have anticipated. It encourages an attitude of flexibility, adaptability, and resilience in the face of the ever-changing circumstances that define our existence.

"I am lonely, and I do not want to be lonely anymore."

This quote reflects a profound sense of longing for connection, understanding, and companionship - common human desires that often arise from feelings of isolation or loneliness. It suggests a deep yearning for emotional intimacy, camaraderie, and the comfort that comes with not feeling alone in the world. Remarque's words resonate strongly as they highlight the universal human experience of seeking meaningful connections with others.

"The most important things are silent: love's breath, laughter, and the turning of each page."

This quote by Erich Maria Remarque emphasizes that some of life's most profound and significant aspects are not easily quantifiable or audible. Love's breath symbolizes the unspoken tenderness and affection between people, laughter represents joy and happiness that can be felt but rarely spoken, and the turning of each page signifies the silent progression of time and knowledge during reading or experiencing life. In essence, Remarque suggests that these quiet moments in our lives are just as crucial and meaningful as more overt expressions of emotion or actions.

"To us he is still beautiful, radiant as ever, because that is how he'll always be for us: frozen in time, grown golden with the honours and praises we gave him when he was alive."

This quote by Erich Maria Remarque implies a deeply personal, timeless admiration for someone who has passed away. The person is still beautiful and radiant because their memory remains frozen in time, untouched by the passage of years or changes in circumstance. The honors and praises given during their lifetime have transformed them into a golden icon, a symbol of unchanging excellence and beauty. This perspective offers solace and preserves the legacy of the deceased, keeping their essence alive for generations to come.

The crowd, still shouting, gives way before us. We plough our way through. Women hold their aprons over their faces and go stumbling away. A roar of fury goes up. A wounded man is being carried off.

- Erich Maria Remarque

Through, Crowd, Away, Fury

Any non-commissioned officer is more of an enemy to a recruit, any schoolmaster to a pupil, then they are if they were free.

- Erich Maria Remarque

More, Officer, Schoolmaster, Recruit

The later it gets the more disturbed the city becomes. I go with Albert through the streets. Men are standing in groups at every corner. Rumours are flying. It is said that the military have already fired on a procession of demonstrating workers.

- Erich Maria Remarque

Through, Streets, Disturbed, Rumours

I am often on guard over the Russians. In the darkness one sees their forms move like stick storks, like great birds. They come close up to the wire fence and lean their faces against it. Their fingers hook round the mesh.

- Erich Maria Remarque

Against, Russians, Guard, Forms

A hospital alone shows what war is.

- Erich Maria Remarque

Alone, War, Shows, Hospital

Anyway the war is over so far as they are concerned. But to wait for dysentery is not much of a life either.

- Erich Maria Remarque

Wait, Over, Either, Anyway

On the steps is a machine-gun ready for action. The square is empty; only the streets that lead into it are jammed with people. It would be madness to go farther - the machine-gun is covering the square.

- Erich Maria Remarque

Madness, Streets, Covering, Steps

They are more human and more brotherly towards one another, it seems to me, than we are. But perhaps that is merely because they feel themselves to be more unfortunate than us.

- Erich Maria Remarque

More, Another, Unfortunate, Merely

We want to live at any price; so we cannot burden ourselves with feelings which, though they might be ornamental enough in peace-time, would be out of place here.

- Erich Maria Remarque

Here, Which, Though, Burden

If you're searching for quotes on a different topic, feel free to browse our Topics page or explore a diverse collection of quotes from various Authors to find inspiration.