EDITORIAL

Gun Flash, Issue XXII, 29 May 1943, Page 1

EDITORIAL

I remember reading a book dealing with a man who for (Various reasons had very little opportunity of obtaining a good education. He got a smattering,- but that is all. ’ Hie left school, became an appren-.? tice and progressed. . As'he got older he decided that there was a big gap in. his life and though he would try to educate himself. .It was’ when he wont back and tried to start again that .he . found that-beginning at halfway was impose ible. - one point led back to' another and- -it was essential to' get the background and go back to the beginning, studying with a mind which had lost its powers of concentration on- such things. Finally fee gave it up - the job was too big - and he went, through life half educated, 'a handicap, which to. him meant mediocracy instead:of brilliant success. • '

. In recent weeks AEWS has come to the. fore with some excellent study courses at a time ! - r hen wo have wonderful .opportunities for such things." To sit round wasting time is wasting our brain; it is forming the bad habit of mental laziness. > To do so is inviting ourselves to become men with no aim in life, men who : think of nothing more than the picture showing tonight, and the next leave day and the prospects of an easy, time.. All very pleasant while be ' army pays, clothes and feeds us, but when we return to civilian life those particular tastes will be our own concern. The man who will do them best will bo the one who - takes a little trouble'' and helps to educate himself now.

That is only one reason;, it is the most important .undoubtedly, but there are many others. We are being given an opportunity now which- the apprentice in the book found was one, which never occurred in his/life; it will be no different, with us. . AEWS are offering something which' is worth our most, serious consideration.