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saving of at least one life, and the temporary incapacity, with the possibility
of permanent defect, in some 30 others.
Such is the favourable impression gleaned from a review of the facts
collected and classified under the heading of the Vital Statistics for 1947.
In the introduction to my last Annual Report 1 tried to show how
difficult it is to assess more accurately the true state of health of the
community. When the National Health Service is operating smoothly
and efficiently, it may be possible to obtain further carefully collected
data showing the degree to which definite physical and mental sickness
exists amongst the population, but even with this information it is very
doubtful whether a wholly satisfactory assessment will be practicable,
chiefly because this would omit evidence regarding their psychological
state or morale.
Health in a community, as in an individual, consists not merely in
the absence of physical disease, but in the vitality, the energy and the
creative impulse which is shown in the normal and exceptional responses
to life and the changing conditions of environment.
At the present time there is abundant evidence, at least of a quantitative
character, of this vitality in such varied spheres as sport, literature
and the Arts, research, and in legislation, but when we turn to ordinary
work or to voluntary service there is less to suggest widespread superabundant
energy. That this is not due to shortage of, or lack of variety
in food supplies appears clear from the satisfactory examples just given,
and from the vitality shown in post-war reconstruction in some other
countries with less favourable food supplies than ours. Maybe the partial
failure to stimulate a desire to work is attributable in part to the increasing
complexity of life, which makes it more difficult to make many jobs
really interesting and to connect immediate action with the final result,
while the present justifiable emphasis on satisfactory working conditions
is liable to lead to introspection in the beneficiaries and others, with
enervating effect. Similarly, the latter tendency is also apt to produce
a reaction against voluntary work, while many potential voluntary
workers are perplexed by the reorganisation of our social services now
taking place, with the community accepting responsibility for much which
formerly depended on voluntary effort. In both cases clarity is lacking
as to the way improvement can be effected, and doubt as to the possibility
of success, while possibly at times there is also absence of desire or
impulse. The present need would appear to be for the constant and able
expression of a simple ideal, which is both practicable and certain of
immediate satisfactory results. In the past the essentials of Christianity
have provided the clue, both to the motive power and the method of
rendering constructive service. It would seem that this or a similar
message is needed to-day, if, as a community and nation, we are to show
the vitality of the Elizabethan and other peak periods of our history.
Our vital statistics far surpass those of former days, and we should,
therefore, be capable of producing superior results. Unsolicited and
disinterested service brings early reward, and can generally be rendered
in all spheres of life, given a sincere desire and resolution. Perhaps
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