President John F. Kennedy once said, "Mankind must end war before war ends mankind." » Characterized by violence and terror, war strips away the beauty of humanity and exposes its evil and malevolent side. Those who sacrifice their lives are continually tested by the voracious nature of combat and the ability to take the life of another human. The majority of war participants return to reality as a changed person, radically affected by the devastating circumstances they had to endure. In his novel A Farewell to Arms, Hemingway explains how an atmosphere of war and destruction causes a loss of faith, belief, and value for life, compensated accordingly by a more mechanical vitality. The main objective of war is to defeat opposing forces, gaining power and influence in your favor. Before Lieutenant Frédéric Henry leaves for the front, Catherine, his lover, gives him a necklace of Saint Anthony. As a religious token, Frederick asks Catherine: “You are not Catholic, are you” (43). She responds by saying, “No. But they say that Saint Anthony is very useful” (43). Without much respect for religious origin and beliefs, Catherine, involuntary to her own faith, interprets the necklace as an earthly and material token of bravery and security, desiring only physical protection. Frédéric questions Catherine because, as the major describes it, “all thinking men are atheists” (8). The military, who are constantly strategizing and planning, feel no need to consult religion or faith. They believe it will distract them from their manhood and weaken them. Henry describes how “It is only in defeat that we become Christians” (178). In a time when they are expected to be strong and capable, soldiers must focus on the facts...... middle of paper...... The war has put Catherine in a very fragile state in which her emotions are deeply shaped. by the very sympathetic death that surrounds him. The smallest beauties of life begin to frighten not only Catherine but also many other servicemen. These men and women despondently begin a routine of imitating content and living a fruitful life. It is difficult for anyone to imagine themselves in a situation similar to that of the First World War. When confronted with all of their greatest fears, a loss of faith and the value of their lives is virtually inevitable. The destruction of love, pride and happiness destroys any hope they may have had, leaving only the mechanics and restrictive logistics of life, with no room for the beauty and imagination of a life wonderful. In the wise words of President Kennedy: "Mankind must end war before war ends mankind. »."