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Those are the dangerous moments. They show us that the…

“Those are the dangerous moments. They show us that the adjustment is only artificial, that it is not simple rest, but sharpest struggle for rest. In the outward form of our life we are hardly distinguishable from Bushmen; but whereas the latter can be so always, because they are so truly, and at…” quote by Erich Maria Remarque
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““Those are the dangerous moments. They show us that the adjustment is only artificial, that it is not simple rest, but sharpest struggle for rest. In the outward form of our life we are hardly distinguishable from Bushmen; but whereas the latter can be so always, because they are so truly, and at best may develop further by exertion of their spiritual forces, with us it is the reverse;—our inner forces are not exerted toward regeneration, but toward degeneration. The Bushmen are primitive and naturally so, but we are primitive in an artificial sense, and by virtue of the utmost effort. And””

Erich Maria Remarque

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Artificial comforts mask deeper struggles; true rest requires confronting inner degeneration rather than superficial ease.

In simple terms: Rest is hard when inner forces degrade instead of regenerating.

Key Takeaway

Seek authentic renewal over shallow comfort.

Themes

existence struggle authenticity spirituality

Mood

thoughtful philosophical

Type

literary reflective

When to use this quote

  • personal crises
  • mental health
  • spiritual practice
  • creative work

Key Concepts

artificiality degeneration regeneration effort

Questions to Reflect On

  • What inner forces need activation for regeneration?
  • How can one differentiate artificial comfort from genuine rest?
A Different Perspective

Society often prefers easy fixes, hindering true growth.

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