Wilfred Owen: 'After all my years of playing soldiers, and then of reading History, I have almost a mania to be in the East, to see fighting, and to serve.'

After all my years of playing soldiers, and then of reading History, I have almost a mania to be in the East, to see fighting, and to serve.

The quote by Wilfred Owen, "After all my years of playing soldiers, and then of reading History, I have almost a mania to be in the East, to see fighting, and to serve," captures a fervent desire for firsthand experience in conflict and a longing to serve a higher cause. At its core, this quote reflects Owen's yearning to transcend the role of an observer and immerse himself in the reality of warfare. However, beneath the surface of this straightforward interpretation lies an intriguing philosophical concept that invites deeper contemplation.Exploring the meaning and importance of this quote, we can understand Owen's perspective as a powerful juxtaposition of youthful idealism and the sobering effects of historical knowledge. He acknowledges his early fascination with playing soldiers, embodying the innocence and naivety of childhood. Yet, as he delves deeper into historical accounts of war, his perspective evolves, shedding the veil of romanticism.This contrast between the glorification of war through play and the somber realities illuminated through historical study serves as an important reflection on the impact of knowledge and experience. Owen's quote speaks to the yearning we often feel to bridge the gap between understanding and firsthand involvement. It underlines the innate human curiosity to witness and fully comprehend events of significance.To inject an unexpected philosophical concept into the discussion, the quote aligns with Albert Camus' notion of the absurd. Camus suggests that humans are caught in a perpetual struggle between the desire for meaning and the inherent meaninglessness of the universe. Owen's quote can be seen as an embodiment of this existential quandary. The longing to be in the East, to witness and serve, signifies an individual's quest for purpose and significance in an otherwise chaotic and unpredictable world.The juxtaposition between Owen's initial inclination for playing soldiers, easily dismissed as a child's fantasy, and his subsequent desire to experience the harsh realities of war emphasizes the human search for meaning. There is an implicit acknowledgement in this quote that merely observing or studying history cannot fully satisfy the yearning for connection and purpose that dwells within us.This philosophical concept invites us to question the motivations behind our desires, to consider the often illogical and contradictory nature of our yearnings. Why do we seek experiences that possess inherent danger and suffering? Is it an attempt to find meaning or to confront the chaotic nature of existence head-on? Owen's quote raises these intriguing questions and serves as a catalyst for introspection.In essence, Wilfred Owen's quote reflects a deep-seated human fascination with war and the desire to be a participant rather than a spectator. It encapsulates the evolution of perception that occurs when one transitions from playful imagination to informed understanding. Furthermore, it intertwines with a philosophical exploration of human yearning for purpose and significance in an ultimately absurd world. Owen's words resonate by questioning the nature of our desires and compelling us to critically reflect on our motivations.