Ask questions Quote by Erich Maria Remarque
““I imagined leave would be different from this. Indeed, it was different a year ago. It is I of course that have changed in the interval. There lies a gulf between that time and to-day. At that time I still knew nothing about the war, we had only been in quiet sectors. But now I see that I have been crushed without knowing it. I find I do not belong here any more, it is a foreign world. Some of these people ask questions, some ask no questions, but one can see that the latter are proud of themselves for their silence; they often say with a wise air that these things cannot be talked about. They plume themselves on it. I prefer to be alone, so that no one troubles me.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: All Quiet on the Western Front, 1928
The narrator feels alienated after war, realizing he no longer fits into the world he once knew.
In simple terms: War changes identity and creates a sense of not belonging.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and accept personal change after trauma.
Themes
war
alienation
identity
silence
Mood
lonely
reflective
Type
personal
philosophical
When to use this quote
- post‑war reintegration
- mental health counseling
- support groups for veterans
Key Concepts
existential crisis
psychological trauma
social disconnection
Questions to Reflect On
- How has war reshaped your sense of self?
- What can help bridge the gap between past and present?
A Different Perspective
Silence can be a coping mechanism but may hinder healing.
