Meaning: The quote "Flying is the only active profession I would ever continue with enthusiasm after the War" is attributed to Wilfred Owen, a renowned English poet and soldier who served in World War I. This quote reflects Owen's passion for flying and his desire to continue pursuing it as a profession even after the war. To fully understand the significance of this quote, it is essential to delve into the life and experiences of Wilfred Owen, as well as the context in which he made this statement.

Wilfred Owen was born in 1893 in Shropshire, England, and he is best known for his war poetry that vividly depicted the horrors of trench warfare during World War I. Despite experiencing the brutality and suffering of war firsthand, Owen also had a deep passion for flying. This passion is evident in his letters and poems, where he often expressed his fascination with aviation and his longing to become a pilot.

During the war, Owen served as a soldier in the British Army and experienced the harsh realities of combat. He was deeply affected by the suffering and death he witnessed, which greatly influenced his poetry. Throughout his service, Owen continued to nurture his interest in flying and even attempted to join the Royal Flying Corps, the precursor to the Royal Air Force. However, his application was initially rejected due to a medical condition, but he eventually managed to overcome this obstacle and was accepted for training as a pilot in 1918.

It was during this time that Owen wrote the quote in question, expressing his unwavering enthusiasm for flying as a profession. Despite the trauma and devastation of the war, Owen found solace and inspiration in the prospect of pursuing a career in aviation. The quote reflects his resilience and determination to embrace a future that aligned with his passion, even in the aftermath of such harrowing experiences.

Tragically, Wilfred Owen's life was cut short when he was killed in action on November 4, 1918, just one week before the Armistice that ended the war. Despite his untimely death, Owen's legacy lives on through his poignant poetry, which continues to resonate with readers and convey the human cost of war.

In the context of the quote, it is important to recognize the contrast between the brutality of war and the sense of freedom and exhilaration that flying represented for Owen. While the war brought destruction and despair, flying symbolized a realm of possibilities and a departure from the confines of the battlefield. Owen's statement encapsulates his profound attachment to aviation and his fervent desire to pursue a career that offered a stark departure from the horrors of war.

Furthermore, the quote underscores the impact of war on individuals and their aspirations. Despite enduring unimaginable hardships, Owen's unwavering passion for flying serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the capacity to find hope and purpose beyond the ravages of conflict.

In conclusion, Wilfred Owen's quote "Flying is the only active profession I would ever continue with enthusiasm after the War" encapsulates his deep-seated passion for aviation and his determination to embrace a future that transcended the trauma of war. It serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring human spirit and the pursuit of passion and purpose in the face of adversity.