Three Comrades

by Erich Maria Remarque

Modesty and conscientiousness receive their reward only in novels. In life they are exploited and then shoved aside.

It is no use quarrelling with excited maternal instincts. They have the moral support of the entire world behind them.

“The pillars of human society are covetousness, fear, and corruption,” retorted Grau. “Man is evil, but loves the good—when others do it.”

Only those who are constantly alone know the joy of being together.

The truth is always too brutal, almost intolerable, to injured feelings.

“I know now what those people are wanting. They don’t want politics at all. They want substitute religion.” He looked around. “Of course. They want to believe in something again—in what, it doesn’t matter. That’s why they are so fanatical, too, of course.”