PHILOSOPHY OF LIFE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23059, 9 June 1938, Page 16

PHILOSOPHY OF LIFE

NEW OUTLOOK REQUIRED .DANGER TO DEMOCRACIES TENDENCIES IN EUROPE The need for a new philosophy of life, particularly among the democracies of the, world, was stressed by Professor A. B. Fitt, professor of education at Auckland University College, when speaking on the "Relationship of Mind to Physical Fitness," at a luncheon meeting of the Auckland Creditmeu's Club held in Milne and Choyce's Reception Hall yesterday. Professor Fitt said that life must be regarded as a whole and that it was fatal to look upon the body arid the mind as things distinctly separate.

The physical fitness campaign- embarked upon by , the Government and now under way in Great Britain hod earlier been taken up with great seriousness by Germany arid Italy. The origin of. the movement was militaristic and it was rather a sad commentary «n mankind that consciousness of its physical condition was inspired in this way. In Germany and Italy, however, the movement was not aimed solely at achieving physical fitness, but embraced a new philosophy of life, and 110.campaign could be wholly successful Unless' it took credence of this fnctot. It was necessary to understand the meaning ! and sacredness of living. This was realised by the Germans, who, however, through their concentration on their own race to the exclusion of such peoples as the Jews, were adopting a formula of living not acceptable to the democracies which would recognise the sacredness of all life. The Italians under .Mussolini were also inspired by a new philosophy. "Unless we develop the spiritual conception that animates Central Europe, we, as a democracy, will be wiped out," said Professor Fitt. "These philosophies tliat are animating certain nations of the world rwilk over whelm 11s. They cart ,only be met and stemmed by higher ideals." A sound biological and physiological approach to life, and a wider educational programme, both physical and mental, were needed, hp added.