Years Pass Quote by Erich Maria Remarque
““And men will not understand us—for the generation that grew up before us, though it has passed these years with us already had a home and a calling; now it will return to its old occupations, and the war will be forgotten—and the generation that has grown up after us will be strange to us and push us aside. We will be superfluous even to ourselves, we will grow older, a few will adapt themselves, some others will merely submit, and most will be bewildered;—the years will pass by and in the end we shall fall into ruin.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: All Quiet on the Western Front, 1929
He warns that each generation feels obsolete as societies shift, leading to confusion and a sense of uselessness.
In simple terms: Generations feel out of place as times change.
Key Takeaway
Embrace adaptability and purpose.
Themes
generational change
obsolescence
war
identity
Mood
melancholic
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- career transitions
- retirement
- cultural shifts
- political upheavals
Key Concepts
purpose
adaptation
historical cycles
existential dread
Questions to Reflect On
- What gives you purpose when old roles fade?
- How can societies honor past generations?
A Different Perspective
Not all feel superfluous; some find new roles.
