In "Slaughterhouse-Five," Kurt Vonnegut Jr. explores the profound effects of World War Two on those who lived through it. The war instilled a sense of resilience and toughness in individuals, shaping their identities and worldviews. The struggles and traumas experienced during this period left lasting impressions, influencing how they approached life afterwards.

Vonnegut's narrative reflects on the brutal realities of war, illustrating how survival often demanded a hardened exterior. The quote emphasizes that the experiences of World War Two transformed people, making them more resilient but perhaps also more scarred. This duality captures the complicated legacy of the war, as it fostered both strength and deep emotional wounds in its survivors.