Existentialism is a philosophical movement that emerged in the 20th century. It emphasizes individual freedom, choice, and the search for meaning in life. In the novel All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque, the soldiers create a community/family to cope with the horrors of war, and this community is evaluated through the lens of existentialism. The philosophy of existentialism is explored in the works of Albert Camus, Søren Kierkegaard, and Jean-Paul Sartre.

In The Myth of Sisyphus, Albert Camus writes, “The struggle itself towards the heights is enough to fill a man’s heart. One must imagine Sisyphus happy” (4). This quote refers to the myth of Sisyphus, who is condemned to roll a boulder up a hill for eternity. Camus uses this myth to illustrate the absurdity of life, and how individuals must find meaning in their struggles. Similarly, in All Quiet on the Western Front, the soldiers find meaning in their struggle to survive the war. They rely on each other for support, and create a sense of camaraderie that sustains them through the horrors of battle. As Paul Baumer reflects, “We stick together and watch out for one another – it’s the only way to survive” (49).

In Being and Nothingness, Jean-Paul Sartre writes, “Man is condemned to be free” (32). This quote emphasizes the responsibility individuals have for their own choices and actions. The soldiers in All Quiet on the Western Front are forced to confront the consequences of their actions in the war. They must choose between obeying orders and protecting their own lives, and these choices have life-or-death implications. The soldiers are also forced to confront the reality of their own mortality, and the existential angst that comes with it. When Paul Baumer reflects on the death of his comrade Kemmerich, he says, “We have lost all sense of other considerations, because they are artificial. Only the facts are real and important to us” (18). This quote illustrates the soldiers’ focus on the present moment and the tangible realities of war.

In Fear and Trembling, Søren Kierkegaard writes, “For him who has no eyes to see, every blade of grass is a mystery” (56). This quote emphasizes the importance of perception in understanding the world. The soldiers in All Quiet on the Western Front must navigate the chaos of war, and their perception of reality is often distorted by the violence and trauma they experience. However, they also find moments of beauty and humanity in the midst of this chaos. For example, when Paul Baumer reflects on the sound of the boots of his comrades marching in unison, he says, “It is only then that we realize that they are still human beings like ourselves” (118). This moment of recognition reminds the soldiers that despite the brutality of war, they are still connected to their fellow human beings.

In conclusion, the philosophy of existentialism provides a lens through which to evaluate the soldiers’ creation of a community/family in All Quiet on the Western Front. The soldiers rely on each other for support and find meaning in their struggle to survive the war. Through their struggles, the soldiers create a sense of community that reflects the principles of existentialism. As Erich Maria Remarque writes, “We are a group of men, and each one is a necessary part of the whole” (16).