Human Instinct

Human instinct is to act in the most favorable way of oneself, often times not benefiting others. However while doing so, mankind is oblivious to the fact that they truthfully are acting in a way that only profits themselves because they believe they are working toward the greater good. So often the faults of humanity cause mankind to become blinded of the situation as a whole. Taking the easy rout out and not fully living up to the full potential is the easiest way to do so. Instead of working hard and advancing, slacking holds back everyone while inevitably only allowing the slacker to profit. In the novel All Quiet on the Western Front, Erich Maria Remarque utilizes powerful syntax and structure to portray the tunnel vision of humanity and its inability to sacrifice for the greater good.

Humanity is blinded by the desire to act solely for themselves, often times causing it to fail others. After reflecting upon the war, a soldier Paul reflects, “There were thousands of Kantoreks, all of whom were convinced that they were acting for the best – in a way that cost them nothing. And that is why they let us down so badly” (12). So often are we afraid to sacrifice ourselves that we let each other down. Human kind as a whole is so selfish that they are unable to act for the greater good, instead of just for themselves. Paul writes with such power reflecting upon this topic. His use of a long flowing sentence and then a short powerful one really emphasizes the negative impact the Kantoreks had on the people.