Abandon Quote by Guy Sajer
“I had often thought that if I managed to live through the war I wouldn't expect too much of life. How could one resent disappointment in love if life itself was continuously in doubt? Since Belgorod, terror had overturned all my preconceptions, and the pace of life had been so intense one no longer knew what elements of ordinary life to abandon in order to maintain some semblance of balance. I was still unresigned to the idea of death, but I had already sworn to myself during moments of intense fear that I would exchange anything - fortune, love, even a limb - if I could simply survive.”
About This Quote
Source Memoir: The Forgotten Soldier by Guy Sajer, 1965
Surviving war forces a reevaluation of values, making even the smallest comforts feel priceless.
In simple terms: War reshapes priorities, making survival paramount.
Key Takeaway
Cherish life’s simple gifts.
Themes
war
survival
value
existence
balance
Mood
reflective
somber
hopeful
Type
philosophical
memoir
When to use this quote
- combat
- post‑war reconstruction
- personal reflection
- mental health
- family relationships
Key Concepts
existentialism
psychology
resilience
Questions to Reflect On
- What comforts would you trade for safety?
- How does trauma alter your view of love?
A Different Perspective
Survival instinct may ignore long‑term wellbeing.
