The things I believed in dont exist any more. It's foolish to pretend that they do. Western Civilization finally went up in smoke in the chimneys at Dachau but I was too infatuated to see it. I see it now.
The quote reflects a deep sense of disillusionment with the core values and beliefs that once defined Western Civilization. The speaker acknowledges that the ideals they held dear have vanished, and admitting this truth is both painful and necessary. They confront the brutal reality of historical events, specifically referencing the Holocaust, as a pivotal moment that shattered their previous worldview.
This realization marks a turning point where the speaker stops pretending that these beliefs still hold weight. It emphasizes a stark transition from infatuation with a romanticized past to a sobering understanding of the present and its consequences. Through this contemplation, the character grapples with loss and the need to reconcile with a changed reality.
