The truth is that the ordinary Englishman simply detests mental
effort or spiritual discomfort ; not only does he refuse to think with lucidity, but he winces away from all thoughts which are either unpleasant in themselves or which (and this is more significant) possess unpleasant associations. National Service training, although in itself not an uncongenial task, has associations of impending terror and ordeal. It is not lack of physical courage which deters so many noble citizens from facing this ordeal ; if the moment came they would be as heroic as any other citizens ; it is merely our amazing propensity for evading all uncom- fortable thought. " If the Government really want me," they say, " I shall be sent for." " But of course I shall volunteer when the moment comes." They refuse to realise that such eleventh hour enrolment will render them an encumbrance rather than a help.
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