Coward Quote by Erich Maria Remarque
““But he did allow himself to be persuaded, otherwise he would have been ostracized. And perhaps more of us thought as he did, but no one could very well stand out, because at that time even one’s parents were ready with the word “coward”; no one had the vaguest idea what we were in for. The wisest were just the poor and simple people. They knew the war to be a misfortune, whereas those who were better off, and should have been able to see more clearly what the consequences would be, were beside themselves with joy.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: All Quiet on the Western Front, 1929
People conform to social pressure, fearing ostracism, while the wise accept hardship as inevitable.
In simple terms: Fear of being labeled a coward forces conformity; the wise accept war’s misfortune.
Key Takeaway
Resist peer pressure and seek independent judgment.
Themes
conformity
war
social pressure
wisdom
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
critical.
When to use this quote
- military life
- peer groups
- public opinion
- ethical dilemmas
Key Concepts
cowardice
misfortune
joy
social norms
Questions to Reflect On
- When have you felt pressured to conform?
- What defines true wisdom in crisis?
A Different Perspective
The perspective may romanticize the “wise” and oversimplify complex social dynamics.
