LESSONS OF WAR

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 4, Issue 179, 12 November 1941, Page 6

LESSONS OF WAR

— <► ; army esprit-de-corps would IMPROVE WORLD SELFISHNESS ABOLISHED "The Avar has broadened my experience' greatly," writes Lance-Coi-poral R. Stevens, "Wellington, fiom the Middle East. "If only some of the lessons it teaches could be universally applied I am confident the world would be a better place -in which to live. Tn times of peace one takes so much lor granted; lite, as a civilian leads it, is really rather a »eUish, self-centred affair. The Array does away with all that. To watch bank clerks, lawyers, plumbers, labourers and, indeed, representatives from every calling and trade settle down to a communal life wherein co-operation and unselfishness are necessary to the well-being of the whole is really thought-provoking. If only the inspirational unselfish, ness that distinguishes men on the actual field of battle could be fostered in time uf peace among the wcr.d's inhabitants then truly there would be a prospect of a lasting peace. '"How strange human nature is! Two men who would argue one against tlie other almost to blows over matters of little or no import/lnrc suddenly change when they are soldiers facing the foe—take risks for one another, share their last crumb or slued of tobacco—alt .because life may only hold a few more « I'll!' I .

"Isn't this an insight into the w"ay wc were intended to live? Wliy aren't avc living like that in time of pcacc? And it makes life so much grander and bigger. We are capable of it, I feel certain, but somehow or other when the danger is past "vvc unconsciously relax back again into our old method and individual ways of living. The splendid moment forgotten, instead of being examined and explored, as a real plan for successful living. Wc are told that idealistic plans such as these are deemed to failure, and yet, i.f only the time and effort- —never mind money—that the world is pouring Into expressions of hate and distrust could be changed into expressions of trust and love, how vastly different would be the result. "I am afraid I have been letting my pen ramble with my thoughts—■ one has so much time, mentally, and usually vague theories and will-o'-the-wisp ideas flit through my mind, but this one somehow or other found, its way on to paper. I Avould like to hear its pros and cons discussed by abler brains and tongues than mine."