To forget is the secret of eternal youth. One grows old only through memory. There's much too little forgetting

To forget is the secret of eternal youth. One grows old only through memory. There's much too little forgetting

Erich Maria Remarque, the renowned German author of the classic novel "All Quiet on the Western Front," was a master at exploring the themes of memory, youth, and the impact of war on the human psyche. In his works, Remarque often delved into the idea that forgetting is essential for maintaining a sense of eternal youth and vitality.

The quote "To forget is the secret of eternal youth. One grows old only through memory. There's much too little forgetting" encapsulates Remarque's belief that holding onto painful memories and past traumas can age a person prematurely. In his novels, he often depicted characters who were haunted by the horrors of war and unable to move on from their past experiences. These characters were portrayed as being burdened by their memories, which weighed them down and prevented them from living fully in the present.

Remarque understood that forgetting is not a sign of weakness, but rather a necessary coping mechanism for dealing with the hardships of life. By letting go of the past and embracing the present moment, one can experience a sense of renewal and rejuvenation. This idea of forgetting as a form of self-preservation is a recurring theme in Remarque's works, as he sought to convey the importance of living in the moment and not allowing the past to dictate one's future.