The Passenger Quotes

“why didn’t you flee when you could easily have done so? The answer couldn’t be more galling: because you thought things weren’t as bad as all that, because you continue to believe that this foul phase can’t possibly last much longer, because you cling to the conviction that Germany is still a democracy, not a madhouse”
― Ulrich Alexander Boschwitz, The Passenger

“Even in the cemetery a Jew isn’t safe from getting shoved around.”
― Ulrich Alexander Boschwitz, The Passenger

“There still have to be people who maintain their decency and humanity no matter what opportunities might come their way. Who don't turn into swine just because they see a puddle they might wallow in.”
― Ulrich Alexander Boschwitz, The Passenger

“How am I supposed to cope with all of this, he despaired. Reason dictates I should kill myself. But I want to live. Despite everything, I want to live! And that requires all the wits I have, but they aren’t enough, because the same reasoning is pitting me against myself. It negates my existence. So where does that leave me? It’s because I understand, he thought unhappily, that I despair. If only I could misunderstand. But that’s something I’m no longer able to do. And the only thing I have left in life is the list of all my losses.”
― Ulrich Alexander Boschwitz, The Passenger

“Absolutely! To survive is to overcome. It doesn't take a lot of skill to fall into the first crevasse, but it takes quite a bit to cross the mountains. It takes courage to live. For suicide all that's needed is despair." He paused and looked for other analogies.
"It's a lot harder to push the cart than simply leave it sitting there.”
― Ulrich Alexander Boschwitz, The Passenger

“I simply can’t stand hearing phrases like ‘So much work, so little pay’ anymore,” he explained, now sounding noticeably milder. “Those aren’t just phrases,” said the old worker. “That’s how it is.” “Are you implying that things were better before?” the man asked tensely. “I’m not implying anything,” said the worker. “Besides, I’m in the party.” He cast a disparaging glance at the man. “I’m in the party as well,” the latter hastened to explain. “Since when, then?” the worker asked, snidely. “That’s nobody’s business!” said the man, refusing to answer. “But you’re quick to butt into conversations that aren’t your business,” the young girl declared. “If there’s complaining going on, then yes.”
― Ulrich Alexander Boschwitz, The Passenger

“No worries, you don’t look Jewish, or the unctuous but ultimately malevolent Would love to help, but under the circumstance, surely you understand.”
― Ulrich Alexander Boschwitz, The Passenger