Optimism—I
By SIR WILFRED GRENFELL.
NERVOUS prostration is a comparatively new affliction of mankind and a concomitant of modern civilization. It chiefly affects those who have no real reason whatever to worry. During eight years in the East End of London, while working at the London Hospital, between Commercial Road and Shadwell, I never saw a case of it.
The unique strength of Englishmen is their optimism, and it is that quality which is chiefly responsible for the achievement of the dominant position of this small Island in the large world. As I read the history of the victories that have made this Empire, it has been British confidence in their own ability that has brought them success. The invincibility of Tommy Atkins has never hung on his intellectual infallibility, but on his inability to perceive that scientifically he was done for. Thus, if he had had the sense, or rather sensitiveness, to realize at Albuera that he was thoroughly licked, England never would have won the Peninsular War. It is the same with every individual and nation : Cromwell at Dunbar, Clive at Plassey, Nelson at Copenhagen. Joffre snatched his great victory with old Paris taxicabs. Columbus and Drake and Dundonald, like all the heroes of every depart- ment of human life, art, literature and industry, in mental and moral struggles every bit as much as physical, have been like us English, always at their best in tight corners. The optimism that will build a sixth Shamrock' and dictate a start at once upon a new R101 ' in the midst of all our troubles to-day, is more significant of our continuing vitality than any figures or fancies.
Returning to England from the eyrie of Labrador, where poverty is real poverty, but where divorce, suicide and nervous prostration are unknown, it seemed as if the spiritual barometer had fallen when one heard of new depressions, and of the " even-tide of the Empire." For ages England has been striving for a worthier civilization ; and now that the realization is all but here, she seems disappointed that the birth of a better day for her labouring classes, who form the larger proportion of the race, cannot come without disruption of old standards, old privileges, and without many pangs of travail.
Old age is a natural experience of nations as well as of individuals. To one who has travelled over most parts of the world, history confirms its universality among nations. To adopt an attitude of defeatism is a negation of our heritage as a Viking race. To abuse the climate that has helped to make us, in-favour of that of the South Sea Islanders, is a symptom not of fitness to survive, but of senility.
Suppose that circumstances should force us baCk to the simpler standards of living ; should we be any the less happy ? In crossing the ocean to-day, as every captain would tell you, by far the greatest danger of the modern liner is its luxury. No one is the better for eating five or .six times a day. The demand for separate a la carte meals, expensive dining-rooms, racquet courts and swimming tanks, to be hurtled to and fro across the Atlantic during a brief five-days' crossing, does not conduce to better or happier individuals. The very bodily machine that enables a man to do honest work, and enjoy life's physical, to say nothing of its spiritual joys, cannot but be injured by such a process.
The breakdown of law and order that is threatening a certain section of America is not due primarily to gangsters or bootleggers, but to the irresponsible possession of riches. When six millionaires lunching together tell you that every one of them keeps a private bootlegger, giving as the • only reason that they " like to do it," how can we blame a policeman for taking two thousand pounds just to look the other way for an hour ? The real danger of our modern civilization is—as has been said of our religion—not of its being blown up, but being sat upon by endless indifferentists who refuse to carry their share.
If the system which -we now call civilization is really riding for a fall, is that a deciding cause for pessimism ? Would anyone prefer to entrust Britain's safety against the various • " Armadas " that threaten its existence to the occupants of the deck chairs of the modern floating palaces, rather than to the men of the simpler civilization who formerly made the Empire ? Is the "civilization " typified by Deauville or Palm Beach so essential to real happiness as to make it worth while worrying over a change ? Is that civilization calculated to produce the self-sacrifice that experience shows is a necessary factor in the duration of any system ? Rome, like other Empires, passed only when she ceased to be of service by her example of simplicity, endurance and hardness. In spite of superior philosophies and mechanistic theories, Nemesis always overtakes a useless civilization as it does a useless alveolus that no longer functions. While the pessimist has nervous prostration, the only effect on the optimist is to see that if we are willing to pay the price, we can make sound teeth and keep the jaw functioning. My medical mind is increas- ingly convinced that in this challenge, this responsibility, lies the real c,nre for pessimism. Life is undeniably worth living if it is the field of honour.
Passing down Whitehall to-day, I read on the Cenotaph the dedication which England and the world endorses as true—" To The Glorious Dead." I wish nothing better for England than that every English heart could enjoy the apparently illogical satisfaction of showing a reflection of that philosophy in their own lives.
A world-wide industrialist told me at the Oberammergau play that he had spared time for the visit that he might judge impartially whether the philosophy of Christ could be recognized as a practical working factor in the industrial problems that are vexing the world. His comment after two days' experience spent in observing the actors personally in their homes was, " they live it.".
(To be concluded.)
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