Humanism is a belief that targets the importance of living a meaningful life and contributing to the well-being of all people. In Erich Maria Remarque’s novel, “All Quiet on the Western Front,” the main character, Paul Baumer, faces many challenges that provide an opportunity to examine his ethics from a humanist perspective. By examining Baumer’s actions, decisions, and values, throughout his time fighting as a soldier in WWI, we can see how well he embodies the  core principles of Humanism.

One of these core principles of Humanism is pursuing personal fulfillment while also positively impacting society. Baumer’s actions reveal his desire for personal growth despite the harsh realities of war. For example, when confronted with the challenge of keeping his comrade Kemmerich from finding out his leg was amputated, Baumer displays a sense of empathy. He understands that disclosing the truth would only add to Kemmerich’s suffering and anxiety, so he keeps it to himself. This would hold Kemmerich from any further stress and would keep Baumer from having to watch Kemmerich’s anxiety rise. Although small, this act of compassion reflects Baumer’s commitment to preserve human pride, an important aspect of Humanism.

Similarly to this, Humanism strongly values appreciating life no matter what it has to offer. Baumer’s deep connection with nature and his sympathy towards fellow soldiers demonstrates these principles. Throughout the novel, Baumer expresses his love for the Earth, finding comfort in its beauty, even among the many horrors of the war. Life on the front was not always easy for the men. When new recruits showed up, it became frustrating for the men to do their duties. The new men around them did not know what they were doing which was often distracting for many of the soldiers. Baumer did not let this get to him and was found comforting one of the new recruits in a moment of frustration. He directly told the new recruit, “You’ll get used to it soon.” (Remarque, 61). Baumer did what he could to make life the best it could be for himself and others. He was known for often being selfless around others and this concern aligns with the principles of Humanism.

Another idea of Humanism is to encourage self-reflection. Baumer’s thoughtful and reflective nature is revealed through his moments of remembrance for both real and imagined memories. He finds himself repeatedly thinking about his life at home, what his life could have looked like without war, and much more. When Baumer gets time alone, he spends it going through self reflection in his own unique ways. At the end of the book Baumer has a moment to reflect on his past few years at war. The book states, “Let the months and years come, they can take nothing from me, and they can take nothing more.” (Remarque, 295). Baumer knew that coming home from this war was going to be very hard and was going to take a lot of adjusting, but he knew where he stood in his own body and mind. Baumer’s ability to think about himself in times of uncertainty imitates the values of humanity.

Humanism does not only highlight self-reflection, but also highlights the importance of acting in the best interest of others. Baumer consistently prioritized his fellow soldiers throughout the novel. He always wanted to  be there for his fellow soldiers when they were hurt or injured. We see an example of this when Baumer faked a fever to stay with Albert Kropp in the hospital train. Albert was the only man he had left by his side by the end of the war and Baumer was willing to do anything to make sure they did not get separated. This sense of unity aligns with Alice Roberts’ statement in The Little Book of Humanism where it states, “Humanism is the recognition that our own wellbeing is inextricably linked to that of others.” Baumer found comfort in being with Albert. Although they were both wounded and in bad condition, they just needed each other at that moment and this showed Baumer acting in the best interest of Albert. Baumer constantly was seen helping others through their hard times. By following the beliefs of Humanism, Baumer showed he was a beacon of light in the war, illuminating the path towards a more compassionate and interconnected world.

Humanism consistently acknowledges the innocence of human life and promotes the pursuit of peace. Baumer has many encounters with death and the way he deals with them reflects his humanistic morals. His statement, “After all, war is war” (Remarque, 229), reveals his understanding of the harsh realities of conflict. Baumer’s perspective on war continuously grew and changed. War was a new experience to all the men and none of them knew how much it was going to take out of them. He found as much peace through his experiences as he could and knew there was only so much he could do about everything that he experienced. A key practice people take in Humanism is making the best out of hard situations and this is exactly what Baumer did in that moment. He longed for peace and through his continuous acts of Humanism, he found that.  

By breaking down the actions and ethics of Paul Baumer’s character in “All Quiet on the Western Front,” the core values of Humanism are revealed. He embodies principles such as self-reflection, empathy, and a commitment to personal growth. The novel highlights the contradicting chaos and peace that human nature has to offer; especially in war. Following philosophical  principles, like those of humanism, in times of crisis may be hard, but it can result in good things. Through Baumer’s experiences, the novel invites readers to reflect on the ethical outcomes of war and how Humanism led Baumer through his ups and downs. With the help of humanistic values, we can grow our understanding of the world through this novel.