Lands Lying Quote by Erich Maria Remarque
““We thought to build us houses, we desired gardens with terraces, for we wanted to look out upon the sea and to feel the wind, but we did not think that a house needs foundations. We are like those abandoned fields full of shell holes in France, no less peaceful than the other ploughed lands about them, but in them are lying still the buried explosives, and until these shall have been dug out and cleared away, to plough will be a danger both to plougher and ploughed.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: All Quiet on the Western Front, 1929
Metaphorically compares building houses without foundations to ignoring hidden dangers, urging careful preparation before action.
In simple terms: Build on solid foundations to avoid hidden risks.
Key Takeaway
Address hidden dangers before proceeding.
Themes
caution
preparation
risk management
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
philosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- construction projects
- urban planning
- personal decision making
Key Concepts
metaphor
psychology
war trauma
Questions to Reflect On
- What hidden risks might you be ignoring?
- How can you uncover them?
A Different Perspective
Foundations may be costly and time‑consuming.
