Conscious Quote by Erich Maria Remarque
““life is simply one continual watch against the menace of death;—it has transformed us into unthinking animals in order to give us the weapon of instinct—it has reinforced us with dullness, so that we do not go to pieces before the horror, which would overwhelm us if we had clear, conscious thought—it has awakened in us the sense of comradeship, so that we escape the abyss of solitude—it has lent us the indifference of wild creatures, so that in spite of all, we perceive the positive in every moment, and store it up as a reserve against the onslaught of nothingness.””
About This Quote
Source Book: All Quiet on the Western Front, Erich Maria Remarque, 1929
Human consciousness is constantly guarded against death, shaping instinct, dullness, camaraderie, and a resilient optimism to survive existential dread.
In simple terms: Life guards against death, shaping instinct, dullness, camaraderie, and optimism.
Key Takeaway
Embrace instinct and community to counter existential fear.
Themes
existentialism
psychology
social
resilience
optimism
Mood
reflective
hopeful
serious
Type
philosophical
motivational
literary
When to use this quote
- combat stress
- grief counseling
- team building
- mindfulness practice
- creative writing
Key Concepts
instinct
dullness
comradeship
indifference
reserve against
war
peace
personal growth
meaning-making
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance instinctual responses with conscious reflection?
- What role does community play in mitigating existential loneliness?
A Different Perspective
Instinct alone cannot fully protect against the profound anxiety of mortality.
