To rescue mankind from that domination by the irrational which leads to war could surely be a more exultant fight than war itself, a fight capable of… - Vera Brittain

Meek wifehood is no part of my profession; / I am your friend, but never your possession.

Oh, life!" I silently petitioned the future... if I do finally decide to marry G. and have a family — and I'm not absolutely certain, yet, that I really want to do either — please grant that I have only daughters; I'm afraid, in the world as it is, to have a son. Our generation is condemned, condemned, and the League, and all that it stands for, is only a brittle toy in the hands of ruthless, primeval forces!

It is harder now the spring days are beginning to come... to keep the thought of war before one’s mind - especially here, where there is always a kind of dreamy spell which makes one feel that nothing poignant and terrible can ever come near. Winter departs so early here... ”