Jean-Paul Sartre, an existentialist philosopher, offers a unique viewpoint to evaluate the ethics and morality of Katczinsky, a soldier in the novel All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque. The foundational belief of existentialism is that existence comes before essence, which means that we exist first and then define our essence through our experiences and choices. Sartre taught this doctrine throughout his life. Katczinsky’s compassionate and decisive actions give his existence meaning,S making him a great example of Sartre’s philosophy. 

Katczinsky can be described by his kindness and is an older soldier, a mentor to the protagonist, Paul, and a cobbler. Although he has a worldly profession, his true value in the context of the novel comes from his ability to provide food and other necessities when no one else can. Katczinsky takes care of his fellow soldiers, especially the new recruits, and tries to make them as comfortable as possible during the war. He provides a sense of stability to those around him. The following quote from Satre,”Life is nothing until it is lived; but it is yours to make sense of, and the value of it is nothing else but the sense that you choose,” applies to Katczinsky’s actions in the war. Katczinsky chooses to fill his life with good deeds and empathy for those around him, and the fact that his character was not predestined, but self-selected gives his humane actions even more importance.

Moreover, Katczinsky’s actions in the war can not only be seen as empathetic and kind-hearted but as an attempt to give meaning to the lives of his fellow soldiers. When faced with the choice of euthanizing a fellow soldier or letting him live, he chooses the later option and gives the soldier a chance to heal, showing how much he truly values every human life. Kat also provides his comrades with food, comfort, and guidance, and he mourns their deaths deeply, another example of the level of esteem he has for life. The soldiers around him recognize this and praise him for it, saying things such as, ““We couldn’t do without Katczinsky… It’s a good thing to be friends with him,” (Remarque, 37). Kat’s relationships with the people that surround him is a critical insight into the kindness with which he lived his life. 

Furthermore, the words of Satre, “When the rich wage war, it’s the poor who die,” applies to the context of the war in All Quiet on the Western Front. The soldiers, like Katczinsky, are not fighting for their own interests, but for the interests of those in power. They are forced to endure the horrors of war, while those in power reap the benefits. Katczinsky’s actions in the war reflect his understanding of this injustice, as he tries to provide his fellow soldiers with some comfort and support in the face of such overwhelming suffering. He hates how the soldiers are just used as bullet absorbers but instead of stewing with anger and bitterness, he takes decisive action and creates an environment of love and comfort, to the fullest of his power

The protagonist Paul describes Katczinsky as having a “sixth sense” and being the smartest person he knows. By trade, he is a cobbler, but he understands all trades. It’s a good thing to be friends with him,” emphasizing the value that Katczinsky brings to the lives of his fellow soldiers. In addition, Kat’s role as a father figure and caretaker to the soldiers exemplifies how he lives with a sense of responsibility to others.

Kat’s kindness and compassion towards the new recruits further highlight his moral character. Sartre believed in the importance of empathy and understanding in creating meaningful relationships with others. Kat’s willingness to help the new soldiers shows his understanding of the difficult position they are in and his desire to ease their suffering.

When Kat almost euthanizes a wounded soldier, he shows his struggle with the ethical implications of war. Sartre believed in the inherent meaninglessness of life and the difficulty of creating purpose and value in a world that is fundamentally absurd. In the context of war, this meaninglessness is compounded by the senseless violence and destruction. Kat’s decision not to kill the wounded soldier demonstrates his recognition of the value of life amidst the chaos of war. He refuses to succumb to the dehumanizing effects of violence and destruction, choosing instead to preserve the soldier’s chance at survival.

In conclusion, Katczinsky’s ethics and morality align closely with Jean-Paul Sartre’s philosophy. His compassion, care for others, and sense of responsibility reflect Sartre’s emphasis on personal freedom, empathy, and the creation of meaning in a seemingly absurd world. Katczinsky’s actions in All Quiet on the Western Front serve as a poignant reminder that even in the darkest of times, it is possible to choose kindness, preserve human dignity, and find purpose amidst the senseless violence of war. His character resonates as a testament to the resilience and moral potential of the human spirit.