The citizen must offer himself in silence as a willing sacrifice on the alter of his country in whatever manner those in authority may dictate. Even honest criticism is cursed. The conscientious objector, who in times of peace is praised as a courageous man who dares to stand against the world for what he believes right, is denounced as a sneaking coward and herded into prison. The individual rights of free speech, press and assembly so essential to democratic government, so zealously guarded during peace, and so boastfully displayed to an admiring world, cease to exist and are pronounced enemies to the public safety. The noble sentiments of toleration are denounced, as is also individual variation, which is vigorously defended during peace under the ideals of individual liberty and initiative.
Every social institution is brought into line.
All organs of public opinion send forth a constant stream of uniform suggestions. The appeal is made through church and lodge and every customary association, until the members of the social group coalesce into a solid sociality that surpasses the fondest imaginings of the Utopian Socialist. At such times patriotism, like a restless and mysterious genius, fills the entire fabric of society with its magic power. Few individuals escape its enchantment, and almost no one dares invite its hostility. While it ennobles the soul with the sublime spirit of self-sacrifice, it compels men to dilute the honesty of their thoughts.