By subscribing to Inspiring Quotes you are agreeing to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Ernest Hemingway is known for his spare, “masculine” prose, and for his war novels: "A Farewell to Arms," from which this quote is taken, takes place during World War I. So his use here of the words “serve” and “sacrifice” is intentional. The line is taken from a conversation between American paramedic Lieutenant Frederic Henry and an Italian priest. The priest has asked Frederic whether he loves God; Frederic has replied, “I am afraid of him in the night sometimes.” “You should love Him,” the priest tells him, to which Frederic says, perhaps morosely, “I don’t love much.” The priest disagrees, illustrating the degree of Frederic’s love with the description above. In these ways, the priest — and perhaps Hemingway himself — seems to say, loving well is akin to serving one’s country. To love well is to be selfless.
11 Quotes From the Biggest Movies of 2023
10 Quotes From the Best Thanksgiving TV Episodes
16 Uplifting Quotes That Help Us When We’re Feeling Down
13 Quotes About the Magic of Winter
The Meaning of Life, in 10 Amusing Quotes
14 Quotes Guaranteed To Make You Crave Chocolate
Quotes About Plants for Those With and Without Green Thumbs
Unforgettable Radio Broadcasts Through History
15 Classic Toy Slogans That Will Take You Back To Childhood
12 of the Most Confusing Song Lyrics Ever Written
17 Quotes To Help You Embrace Imperfection