What does this mean in simple english-Patriotism is the willingness to kill and be killed for trivial reasons

Question

"Patriotism is the willingness to kill and be killed for trivial reasons" (Bertrand Russell). How does this quote relate or connect with the theme of "All Quiet On the Western Front" ?

Answer 1

Russell had a very cynical take on patriotism.  His quote, and the theme of AQOWF relate to the senselessness of war.

Albert Einstein said it even more forcefully:

"He who joyfully marches to music in rank and file has already earned my contempt. He has been given a large brain by mistake, since for him the spinal cord would fully suffice. This disgrace to civilization should be done away with at once. Heroism at command, senseless brutality, deplorable love-of-country stance, how violently I hate all this, how despicable and ignoble war is; I would rather be torn to shreds than be part of so base an action! It is my conviction that killing under the cloak of war is nothing but an act of murder."