The philosophy of Lucius Annaeus Seneca, a Roman philosopher and Stoic, can be used to evaluate the morality of dehumanization and overthinking during World War I as depicted in the novel All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque. Seneca’s philosophy emphasizes the importance of rational thinking, self-control, and empathy towards others. These concepts can be applied to the actions and experiences of the soldiers in the novel, who are forced to dehumanize their enemies and face the psychological effects of war.

Seneca believed that rational thinking and self-control are essential for a virtuous life. He believed that individuals should strive to act in accordance with reason, rather than emotions or impulses. In All Quiet on the Western Front, the soldiers are forced to dehumanize their enemies in order to cope with the violence and brutality of war. This is illustrated when Paul, the protagonist, says, “We have become wild beasts. We do not fight, we defend ourselves against annihilation” (Remarque 113). This dehumanization allows the soldiers to distance themselves from the horrors of war, but it also causes them to lose touch with their humanity.

Seneca believed that empathy towards others is also essential for a virtuous life. He believed that individuals should strive to understand and relate to others, rather than being indifferent or hostile towards them. In All Quiet on the Western Front, the soldiers are forced to dehumanize their enemies, which makes it difficult for them to empathize with their fellow human beings. This is illustrated when Paul says, “I am young, I am twenty years old; yet I know nothing of life but despair, death, fear, and fatuous superficiality cast over an abyss of sorrow” (Remarque 13). The soldiers are forced to confront the reality of war and death, which makes it difficult for them to maintain their empathy towards others.

Seneca also believed that ignorance is the cause of fear. He believed that individuals should strive to understand the world around them, rather than being afraid of the unknown. In All Quiet on the Western Front, the soldiers are constantly surrounded by the unknown, which causes them to feel fear and anxiety. This is illustrated when Paul says, “I am frightened. I don’t want to go there again. It is death” (Remarque 59). The soldiers are forced to confront the reality of war, which is full of uncertainty and danger.

Seneca believed that individuals should focus on the present moment, rather than worrying about the future or dwelling on the past. He believed that individuals should live in the present moment, rather than letting life pass them by. In All Quiet on the Western Front, the soldiers are forced to confront the reality of death, which makes it difficult for them to focus on the present moment. This is illustrated when Paul says, “I am young, I am twenty years old; yet I know nothing of life but despair, death, fear, and fatuous superficiality cast over an abyss of sorrow” (Remarque 13). The soldiers are constantly reminded of their mortality, which makes it difficult for them to enjoy the present moment.

Additionally, Immanuel Kant’s idea that “What is required, you see, of any man is that he should be of use to other men—if possible, to many; failing that, to a few; failing that, to those nearest him; failing that, to himself” can be applied to the soldiers in All Quiet on the Western Front. The soldiers are forced to dehumanize their enemies in order to survive, but this also makes it difficult for them to be of use to others. They are constantly focused on their own survival, which makes it difficult for them to help others in need.

Seneca argues that we often suffer more in imagination than in reality. In All Quiet on the Western Front, this is demonstrated when the soldiers are constantly afraid of being killed or injured, even when there is no immediate danger. Their imaginations run wild, and they become anxious and fearful, unable to focus on the task at hand. This fear is also the result of ignorance, as the soldiers do not know what is going to happen to them or what the future holds. As Seneca puts it, “Ignorance is the cause of fear.”

Finally, Seneca argues that we should cease to hope in order to cease to fear. This may seem counterintuitive, as hope is often seen as a positive emotion. However, Seneca argues that hope can also lead to fear, as we become anxious about the possibility of our hopes not being fulfilled. This is demonstrated in All Quiet on the Western Front when the soldiers are constantly hoping to survive the war, but are also fearful that they will not. This hope and fear creates a constant state of anxiety, which is detrimental to their well-being.

In conclusion, the philosophy of Lucius Annaeus Seneca provides a useful framework for evaluating the morality of dehumanization and overthinking in All Quiet on the Western Front. Seneca’s emphasis on the importance of living in the present moment and the dangers of overthinking and fear are particularly relevant to the experiences of the soldiers in the novel. While the soldiers are understandably dehumanized by the horrors of war, it is important to remember that they are still human beings with emotions and a desire for connection. By applying Seneca’s insights to their experiences, we can gain a deeper understanding of the impact of war on human psychology and morality.