Meaning: The quote "We want to live at any price; so we cannot burden ourselves with feelings which, though they might be ornamental enough in peace-time, would be out of place here" by Erich Maria Remarque reflects the brutal reality of war and the emotional toll it takes on individuals. Remarque, a German author, is best known for his novel "All Quiet on the Western Front," which offers a poignant and harrowing depiction of the experiences of soldiers during World War I. This quote encapsulates the essence of the novel and the broader theme of the dehumanizing effects of war.

In this quote, Remarque highlights the devaluation of emotions and sentiments in the midst of war. The phrase "We want to live at any price" emphasizes the instinctual and primal desire for survival that pervades the wartime experience. It speaks to the fundamental human drive to cling to life in the face of overwhelming danger and adversity. The notion of "living at any price" suggests that in such dire circumstances, individuals are willing to sacrifice or suppress their emotions in order to survive.

The phrase "we cannot burden ourselves with feelings" underscores the notion that in the chaos and brutality of war, emotional vulnerability is perceived as a hindrance. The weight of emotions, which may be considered "ornamental enough in peace-time," becomes a liability in the context of war. Remarque implies that sentiments such as compassion, empathy, and vulnerability are perceived as impediments to survival in the harsh reality of combat. The prioritization of survival above all else leads to the suppression of emotions that are seen as incompatible with the demands of war.

The quote also touches upon the idea that certain emotions are "out of place" in the context of war. In times of conflict, there is a prevailing belief that displays of sentimentality or vulnerability are incompatible with the harsh and unforgiving nature of war. The expectation to remain stoic and unyielding in the face of adversity becomes deeply ingrained in the psyche of those caught in the midst of battle. Remarque's words capture the struggle of individuals who are forced to reconcile their humanity with the exigencies of war, navigating the tension between their innate emotional responses and the demands of survival.

Remarque's own experiences as a soldier in World War I informed his writing, lending his work a profound sense of authenticity and emotional resonance. Through his writing, he sought to convey the devastating impact of war on the human spirit, shedding light on the emotional turmoil and psychological scars borne by those who have endured the horrors of battle. His quote serves as a poignant reminder of the emotional sacrifices made by individuals in the pursuit of survival during wartime.

In conclusion, Erich Maria Remarque's quote encapsulates the profound emotional and psychological toll of war, highlighting the imperative of survival at the expense of traditional notions of sentimentality and emotional expression. It serves as a powerful commentary on the dehumanizing effects of war, shedding light on the internal struggles faced by individuals caught in the maelstrom of conflict. Remarque's words resonate as a testament to the enduring impact of war on the human spirit, urging us to confront the emotional realities of those who have endured the crucible of battle.