"My latter schooldays and my university days were during the war, when science - physics, in particular - was a very important and glamorous subject. A lot of us felt that if we couldn't get into science, we might try engineering or medicine"

In this quote, John Henry Carver reviews the transformative effect that the context of war had on academic and expert aspirations during his developmental years. Carver highlights the significant function that science, especially physics, played during wartime, maybe suggesting its crucial contribution to developments and techniques in military technology and operations. The term "attractive" suggests that fields like physics were not only crucial however also held in high esteem and fascination, likely due to their perceived function in adding to national success and security during a time of worldwide dispute.

Carver discusses that his school and university days coincided with this duration of increased interest and financial investment in scientific fields. For numerous trainees of that era, science represented a field of possible and opportunity, potentially due to increased funding, burgeoning innovations, and the urgent requirement for knowledge that could be used to war efforts, such as radar technology, nuclear physics, and materials science. The allure of taking part in such substantial and innovative work would have been compelling to students with an aptitude or interest in science.

Additionally, the mention of alternatives like engineering and medication underscores a wider trend where technical and used sciences were recognized as vital to both national defense and post-war restoration. Engineering was important for the development of equipment and facilities, while medicine was crucial for dealing with wartime casualties and advancing healthcare.

Carver's reflection records a snapshot of a historical minute where education, career choices, and personal goals were greatly affected by the global context. It highlights how the demands and top priorities of society during a time of crisis can form the interests and motivations of individuals, steering them toward fields considered important for resolving the challenges of the time. In essence, the quote highlights the profound impact historical events have on shaping instructional and career trajectories, particularly in locations deemed vital for national development and security.