Word: exertion
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This feeling, that to exert oneself overmuch is a proof of inferiority, is found in so many nations and so many ages that the Public Schools can only take a small share of originating responsibility. But this must be said--that howevermuch the feeling may be found in other people, the typical Public School Boy has it so strongly that it amounts to an inhibition...
...will like them the better. Refraining from a too conspicuous busyness, if not one of the virtues, is at least one of the graces. But they must never let their dislike of visible effort lead them into any avoidance of effort. It is of primary importance that they should exert themselves: it is only of secondary importance that they should simultaneously preserve the appearance of indifference and leisure...
Sometimes the inhibition is deeper and the Public School Boy feels that for none of the ordinary objects of life is it worthwhile going "all out." Should ever an emergency arise he will exert himself as much as necessary, and all over the world there are proofs of the splendid worth of the English Public School Boy in an emergency. But many of them seem to go through life waiting, before they will exert themselves, for a cataclysm which never arises. Cataclysms are rare. The need for hard work is constant...
Last week in the face of united Conservative opposition, frightened Labor whips conferred busily with Liberals, received a promise from Leader Lloyd George that he would exert his influence to prevent Liberals from voting on the bill at all. The bill came up. Eight Liberals led by Sir John Simon jumped the Lloyd George hedge and voted with the Conservatives, but Labor won, 277 to 250. Laborites ran wild, shook the rafters of the staid House of Commons with "Auld Lang Syne." Bitterly spoke Liberal Sir John Simon...
...Power Commission shall fail to employ honest and capable officials, it is within my power to remove such officials as well as the members of the commission. I have not and shall not hesitate to exert that authority...