"Few men could explain why they enlisted, and if they attempted they might only prove that they had done as a politician said the electorate does, the right thing from the wrong motive"

This quote by Patrick MacGill speaks with the idea that individuals frequently do things for the ideal factors, but for the wrong factors. It suggests that individuals may not be able to explain why they enlisted in the military, and if they attempted, they may only be able to prove that they did it for the wrong factors. This might be interpreted as a criticism of the political system, as it suggests that politicians are not always honest or transparent about their motives. It also implies that people are typically unaware of the true reasons behind their actions, and that they may be driven by external forces. Eventually, this quote suggests that people need to be more aware of their motivations and strive to do the best thing for the best factors.