Army Quote by Geoff Dyer
“There's always something impressive when people are giving themselves to their job absolutely. The military thing - I was conscious that their routine, their way of living is so opposite to mine. In some ways their life seemed intolerable to me. But, mine would be to them, too, because this strangely laissez-faire life of mine actually comes with its obligations as well.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Book of My Lives, 2007
Observing how different lifestyles clash reveals that each perspective feels alien to the other, yet both have hidden obligations.
In simple terms: Different lives seem strange to each other because each has unseen duties.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the unseen duties in your own life and others'.
Themes
culture
perspective
obligation
Mood
reflective
curious
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- workplace
- military life
- personal relationships
- cross‑cultural interactions
Key Concepts
sociology
existentialism
identity
Questions to Reflect On
- How do your hidden obligations shape your choices?
- What can you learn from a lifestyle you find intolerable?
A Different Perspective
Assuming one lifestyle is superior can ignore its hidden burdens.
![“I can't imagine that I would be asked that by the president-elect [Donald Trump], or then-president [Barack Obama]. But it's - I'm very clear. I voted for the change that put the Army Field Manual in place as a member of Congress. I understand that law very, very quickly and am also deeply aware…” quote by James Mattis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/761/james-mattis-9515_army_i-can-t-imagine-that-i-would-be-asked-th_3990.jpg)
