Pupils at Summerhill are used to being in control of their own lives and making decisions for themselves - just as all adults do in their daily lives. They decide what to do, when, and how to do it. Critics say there are many things in the outside world which have to be done, such as earning a living. They believe that our pupils will find it difficult to adapt, as there is no compulsion at Summerhill. The implication that you cannot do boring, mundane or unpleasant things without being trained by compulsion is, of course, absolute rubbish.
Summerhill pupils face similar situations in their everyday lives at the school all the time.
There are many, many things that need to be done in order to keep the community running. If we, the members of the community do not do them, then they do not get done at all. Instead of being compelled to do things by somebody else, you have to take responsibility for yourself and the community around you. You have to be self-motivated. This is true of all of us in adult life.