Alive Quote by Erich Maria Remarque
“The storm lashes us, out of the confusion of grey and yellow the hail of splinters whips forth the childlike cries of the wounded, and in the night shattered life groans painfully into silence. Our hands are earth, our bodies clay and our eyes pools of rain. We do not know whether we are still alive.”
About This Quote
The passage portrays existential dread, describing humanity as fragile, bound to earth, and uncertain of survival amid chaotic, painful surroundings.
In simple terms: Life feels fragile and confusing, and we’re unsure if we’re truly alive.
Human fragility amid chaos.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- war trauma
- grief counseling
- post‑disaster recovery
Key Concepts
Practical Applications
- mindfulness to ground oneself
- expressive writing to process trauma
Questions to Reflect On
- What anchors you when reality feels chaotic?
- How do you recognize signs of being truly alive?
The metaphorical language may obscure practical coping strategies.