HEALTH, PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND RECREATION
IN NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS*
by
Harry A. Scott, Ph.D.
The Rice Institute

The purpose of this meeting is to consider ways and means of making
programs of school and community health, physical education and recreation more
adequately serve the nation in its efforts to prepare for possible war. Many of the
educational goals which we now seek, and most of the steps we shall take in the
future will necessarily be based upon revised methods and philosophies brought about
by the war situation abroad. Therefore, before proceeding with our deliberations it
would be well briefly to consider a few elements in the background of our present
national predicament, and some of the steps which have already been taken to reach
our newer objectives.

It is slightly more than 20 years since the end of the first World War
which left Germany an impoverished and broken nation. Today, however, we find her
one of the mightiest, and certainly the most feared nation in the world. -One might
well ponder the sudden rise to power of this now reckless and irresponsible country.
“he answer will be found in the definite and aggressive plan of action which
-ermany devised to overcome her obstacles and reach the position where she finds her--
self today. Although her methods are reprehensible, we are awed at the tremendous
tasks accomplished. These tasks have been achieved through the complete control and
regimentation of all political, social, economic, religious, and educational
institutions, and by the total destruction of anything which resembles personal
freedom as we understand it.

The lesson that we should learn from the rise of Germany is that democracy
cannot be defended; it must be achieved. In this country we have been awakened to
the necessity of preparing ourselves against the invasion of our shores. We talk in
terms of "defense" programs; of “defending democracy"; of "defending freedom", and
so on. What we must come to realize is that a defensive attitude, or an attitude of
isolation or appeasement is one that brings war, whereas an aggressive policy of
fulfillment and action may avert it.

Peace is unquestionably a desirable goal toward which we should strive.
It has been so since the beginning of civilization; for it is only during times of
peace that men are free to accomplish the things which satisfy them, and benefit the
society in which they live. There are times in the lives of men and nations, how-
ever, when their peace is threatened, and they must risk future security in order to
preserve their individual and national integrity. Peace, therefore, cannot be main-
tained unless we are willing to run the risk of war.

In our thinking in this country we often consider democracy and freedom as
one, and the same thing. This, however, is not exactly true. Democracy is a form
of government which recognizes the integrity of the individual, and places the
responsibility of the government in his hands. The will of the majority decides
issues, and one is free within limits, to pursue life, liberty and happiness. Free-
dom, on the other hand, is a personal thing. It arises out of the hopes, ambitions
and capacities of the individual. While it is true that certain forms of government

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* This paper was read before the College Men's Physical Education Section of the
American Association for Health, Physical Education, and Recreation, which met
in Atlentic City on May 2, 1941. The paper is being distributed by the College
Physical Education Association through the Secretary.