The Scheme of Things

Evening Post, Volume CXXVII, Issue 117, 20 May 1939, Page 19

The Scheme of Things

By fW.H.G.

Voluntary ■*■ discipline and personal sacrifice among the British people, who form that great Empire of which loyal people are so proud, were urged by no lessi a person than the Rev. Dr. James. Black, Moderator of the General, Assembly of the Church of Scotland,, speaking at the Glasgow Presbytery of, this Church. In this ideal he will /receive .much support from thinking people., It'"is known to such people ..that the danger which lurks around the Empire, that the dangers which will come in the train of war, will not only be from armaments, and from which armaments will be but little protection, -but from the fact that there appears to be so little inspiration shown towards voluntary effort and personal sacrifice. In every daily newspaper we read of the lack of: self-restraint on the part of old and, young.: Whatever, they want they must have, or else there is a tale of dishonesty, of! selfishness, of greed, of laziness, and of self-indulgence. With an increasing number of old and young people there is a ghastly story .of those who will not battle in this world any longer, but seek a way out by violence to .themselves. Those who will not face trouble bravely are sorely to be pitied for all possible reasons.

It' is well to look round and see from whence comes this lack of stamina, and, when people are talking so largely about physical fitness and'making so many efforts in a number of directions to achieve a higher standard of health in the nation, it has to be remembered that these efforts have been going on for a considerable number of years. Science has come to the, rescue), and many helpful suggestions have been made for better diet, and better physical "jerks." In general assistance is given to people nowadays which was not known of in : the earlier times. The arrangements in houses, shops, offices, hospitals, and in all places where people congregate have undergone immense improvements. There is an immense number of the "blue vault brigade" which rushes outside whenever it is possible, and careers about in cars or other conveyances and is sure that it is doing the best thing for, health —yet, still, things are pot at all satisfactory.

I>eople do, not seem contented or happy in the main. The feverish seeking after ■■ pleasure is the sign of the times.; which should make most pause and wonder if their nation is preparingin the best way possible for "health, wealth,:, and .happiness." Health is not all that it ought to be, with the oncoming of so many queer diseases thai never used to be heard of, and the marked depression of a portion of the public. . Wealth will never be found in any place' where the armament, race. is ; going on,' and happiness cannot be present if there is neither health nor wealth. It is for all people to ■ponder the Se things. The fashion of tHe* day "is to" place as much as possible of. the burden on the shoulders ■qf the_ women. The outstanding issue at present is the, price of those commodities which.are most necessary for the Hearth of.'children—milk, eggs, fruit, and vegetables. These have all soared, beyond what the .memory of women-can recall in this part of the world. The children show the want of these foods. Those mothers who definitely; cannot afford .anything but the imost meagre • supply of them for the family have to make up with second, or third best foods, and be thankful if .they, can, get those.- G. H. Morton •in »his- recent book, -"Madhouse for :the. Million," again is one of those who urges women to come to the rescue of a "mad world. 1' He writes: "Womeii cannot help man's creation, she., cannot, help this Western civilisation of ours to make that essential leap forward so long as she is held back, by her vices. Let women achieve her complete freedom, let her emanci-pate-herself from the subconscious dictatorship, of. man, body, soul, and 'spirit,.1 arid then .the humanisation of men and "women will follow and the nightmare, be for ,eyer lifted from our modern: .world. Woman realises the need.. r She pan show-the: way." This is alii very well, and may answer in other 'parts' of; the' world, but in the Antipodes the; same cannot -be said. Women have mighty little power here; their'inspirations and "wishes do not penetrate -much .beyond their own immediate circles." • .

• Dr.sßlack -says: "Fitness in any real sense, ishot '■ '€he result' only or mainly of any-physical qualities, but, equally, if not more, of mental,. moral,. and spiritual qualities." He deplores, and thinks .others: will 'do likewise, that the efforts -made' so largely are only physical,1 and the 'finer side of human nature '■• is -. left . untouched. Probably he,' with, many others, realises that a great deal of the "internal troubles of the .countries'.arise from the fact.that there\are no'ideals, no religious basis on which-to build up fineness of char-

acter. The sadness and depression of many a. soul could be lifted if only there was some definite belief on which to build up some cheerfulness. It seems, in many cases nowadays, that if people; are: not being definitely "amused" they must at once sink on to either 'depression .or temper which leads to a worse outlook, as it destroys .so much that is beautiful. General -Smuts has something .helpful \o say 'on this subject: "The ■ honey you suck from human life is the sweetness of; your own, soul at its, highest find best, It is not Jiard for you, or alien to your true nature to be tolerant and sympathetic and helpful to others; you are but true to your own self and giving expression to. ideals. of. human nature which are- your very own, for humanity is the essential attribute of man." In this General Smuts expresses his own ideal. Where he has arrived others can follow, but never as things are will they get out of the gloom and ruck of the world up on to the heights which are always there to be found if people will. Selfishness, indulgence, encouraging sad thoughts, and giving way to a "what is the use?" attitude never made a happy person yet. As happiness is sought naturally by one and all, it is a pity that more do not take themselves to task instead of finding fault with other people.