War is a brutal and devastating experience that brings out the worst in human nature. The morality of killing others during times of war is a complex and contentious issue, and one that has been debated by scholars and philosophers throughout history. In Erich Maria Remarque’s novel All Quiet on the Western Front, the readers are transported to the front lines of World War I, where soldiers are forced to confront the harsh realities of war and the ethical implications of taking another’s life. Through the lens of Buddhism, a philosophy that emphasizes compassion, nonviolence, and mindful living, this essay will examine the moral implications of killing others in wartime and the psychological factors that influence the decision-making process of soldiers. By using the principles of Buddhism to evaluate the events in All Quiet on the Western Front, we can gain a deeper understanding of the consequences of war and the importance of empathy and compassion towards all beings.

The Heart of Buddha’s Teaching offers valuable insights into the ethical dilemma of taking human life. Compassion, a core concept in Buddhism, requires an awareness of the suffering of others and a desire to alleviate it. In All Quiet on the Western Front, the soldiers demonstrate compassion towards each other in small ways, such as Muller’s concern for Kemmerich’s boots, highlighting their underlying humanity. However, the violent nature of war can overshadow this compassion, causing soldiers to commit acts of brutality they may have never considered. The metaphorical “fog of war” can cloud soldiers’ judgment and dehumanize their enemies, making it easier to kill. This allusion to the fog is reflected in the quote “We were all at once terribly alone; and alone we must see it through.” The anecdote emphasizes the isolation and loneliness experienced by soldiers, making it difficult for them to maintain empathy towards others. Ultimately, the dehumanization of war can cause soldiers to view their enemies as less than human, leading to a breakdown in compassion and ethical behavior.

Mindfulness, a core concept in Buddhism, is a crucial skill for soldiers in war, as it allows them to be present and aware of their thoughts, feelings, and actions. In Erich Maria Remarque’s novel, soldiers who lack mindfulness, like those who left Behm for dead, can act recklessly and with severe consequences. In contrast, soldiers who cultivate mindfulness, as advocated in Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind, are better equipped to deal with the stress and trauma of war. The importance of mindfulness is emphasized in both works, as it fosters gratitude and appreciation for simple pleasures, as seen in the quote “Each man has another mess-tin full for the evening; and, what is more, there is a double ration of sausage and bread.”

Thích Nhất Hạnh also emphasizes the importance of nonviolence, which is a central tenet of Buddhism. In the novel, we see the consequences of violence and revenge, as soldiers become consumed by the desire for revenge and commit atrocities against their enemies. The quote “Revenge is black-pudding” illustrates the corrosive effects of revenge on the human psyche, as it transforms soldiers into killers who derive pleasure from the suffering of others. The desire for revenge is also antithetical to the Buddhist concept of Right Livelihood, which emphasizes the importance of engaging in a livelihood that is free from harm and conducive to the well-being of oneself and others.

What the Buddha Taught by Walpola Rahula offers some valuable insights into the ethical implications of killing others. Buddhism teaches that killing is not only harmful to others but also to oneself, as it creates negative karmic consequences that can lead to rebirth in lower realms. The quote “I am committed to cultivating compassion and learning ways to protect the lives of people, animals, plants, and minerals. I am determined not to kill, not to let others kill, and not to support any act of killing in the world, in my thinking, and in my way of life” (Thích Nhất Hạnh, The Heart of Buddha’s Teaching) emphasizes the importance of cultivating compassion and protecting all forms of life. In All Quiet on the Western Front, the soldiers’ experiences on the battlefield show the devastating consequences of killing and the toll it takes on their mental and emotional well-being.

Throughout the novel, the soldiers are constantly faced with the task of killing, whether it be in direct combat or as a result of their orders. The quote “Strange to say, Behm was one of the first to fall. He got hit in the eye during an attack, and we left him lying for dead” (Remarque 12) highlights the callousness with which killing is sometimes viewed in wartime. However, the character of Paul exhibits a sense of compassion and empathy towards his fellow soldiers, despite the circumstances. When his friend Kemmerich is dying, he and his comrades discuss the possibility of ending his suffering. The quote “‘Yes, Kat, we ought to put him out of his misery.’ He stands still a moment. He has made up his mind. We look round—but we are no longer alone. A little group is gathering, from the shell holes and trenches appear heads. We get a stretcher. Kat shakes his head. ‘Such a kid—’ he repeats it. ‘Young innocents—’”(Remarque 72) shows that even in the midst of war, there is still a sense of humanity and empathy that remains within the soldiers.

Buddhism teaches that the intention behind an action is just as important as the action itself. The quote “Our life is motivated solely by the desire for revenge, and everything we say, everything we plan, is to punish that person” (Thích Nhất Hạnh, The Heart of Buddha’s Teaching) highlights the destructive nature of revenge and the harm it can cause. In All Quiet on the Western Front, the characters often act out of a desire for revenge or retaliation, such as when Paul and his comrades take revenge on a group of French soldiers. The quote “Revenge is black-pudding” (Remarque 49) shows that revenge is a destructive and ultimately futile pursuit that only serves to perpetuate suffering.

The concept of Right Livelihood in Buddhism also has important implications for the ethics of killing in wartime. The quote “A job that involves killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, lying, or selling drugs or alcohol is not Right Livelihood” (Thích Nhất Hạnh, The Heart of Buddha’s Teaching) emphasizes the importance of pursuing a career or occupation that is ethical and contributes to the well-being of others. In All Quiet on the Western Front, the soldiers are often forced to engage in killing as part of their duty, but this conflicts with their sense of morality and ethical principles. The quote “Though Muller would be delighted to have Kemmerich’s boots, he is really quite as sympathetic as another who could no bear to think of such a thing for grief” (Remarque 20) shows that even the desire for material gain is tempered by a sense of empathy and compassion for their fellow soldiers.

In conclusion, “All Quiet on the Western Front” by Erich Maria Remarque vividly illustrates the moral complexities of killing in war and its profound psychological impact on soldiers. The novel provides a powerful commentary on the senselessness and brutality of war and its impact on individuals and society. Buddhism’s teachings on non-violence and compassion provide a valuable lens through which to view the events of the novel and to consider the ethical implications of war and violence more broadly. By emphasizing the importance of understanding and empathy towards all beings, Buddhism provides a compelling alternative to the destructive and divisive forces that often lead to conflict and suffering, both on the battlefield and in society as a whole.