The Forerunner, Volume 1 (1909 1910)

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When people are entombed in conventions, customs, _Beliefs_! from which
they may only be freed by digging, filing, gnawing, scraping, _wearing_,
themselves as well as their way out, few have the strength and spirit to
emerge and LIVE--only occassionally one comes out _alive_."

"Such _purely_ personal questions as 'how may I, half (or truly a minute
fraction of that) educated, half alive by reason of ill-health, wholly
unaccustomed to push my way in the world, grub out an existence and keep
out of the poor-house, and keep out of the way of others who are doing
things;' seem rather too small, and altogether too numerous."

A. These "purely personal" questions are the most universal, and open
to the most universal answers.

To "Wake up and Live--World size" means this: Your personality is only
the smallest part of your consciousness. A child with a hurt finger
howls inconsolably; a conquering king with a hurt finger doesn't know
it.

"You" are weak and ill; "you" are half educated: "you" don't know how to
work--Just put "we" for "you."

"We," thousands and millions of us, are at present suffering from
various wrong conditions. Taken separately, personally, these wrong
conditions overwhelm us; each sits down in his or her own little circle
of pain, and suffers.

Taken _collectively_--faced, understood, met, overcome--those wrong
conditions can be removed and forgotten.

The writer of this interesting letter (thanks for its kind
appreciation!) sees the trouble of living clearly enough, but does not
see the joy of living.

In the first place, accept your own pain and loss, whatever it may be,
as merely a part of the general pain and loss. Your own, singly, you
may be unable to help; but "ours" you can help. Never mind what ails
"you"--you can stand it--other people do? The human soul is a stronger
thing than you think--_you don't use enough of it._ Unless the mind is
affected, so that one is irresponsible, it is always open to a Human
Being to change the attitude of the mind, and enlarge its area of
consciousness.

Human Life is a huge Immortal Thing.

It has been on earth for many thousand years.

It is bigger, stronger, better, than it ever was.

It is on the verge of a new consciousness, a new power, a new joy, which
will make our poor past seem like a lovingly forgotten babyhood; and our
future a progressive Heaven--growing under our hands as we make it.

And our present! _This_ is our present! Get into the game! You are
human life. Human life is You.

It's a big thing. It's worth while to be alive--if you are human!

To get a lively sense of historic movement read "_The Martyrdom of Man_"
by Winwood Reade. To get it of life today, read what you like of the
rising flood of sociologic and humanitarian books and magazines of
today.

When you are socially conscious--a live Human Being--your "personal
problems" will take on different proportions. There is no personal
trouble so great as the trouble of the world--which we have to face and
conquer.

There is no personal joy so great as the joy of the world--which is ours
to feel, to make, to steadily enlarge.

Change your own condition if you can, but if you cannot, spread out your
life--your Human Life, till your burden is no bigger than a biscuit--to
such huge consciousness.

*

"When my children were little and at home it was easy to guide and
direct, but now they are in the big man-made world without judgment
enough to know that the _world_ standards are wrong, and the _home_
standards of helpfulness and co-operation right.

I believe we are going ahead, and I'm willing enough to help build the
road for others to pass over, but must my children hunger and thirst in
the wilderness?"

A. This is a wide-spread problem. The trouble lies in our confounding
personal and social relations. Our children are in direct connection
with us physically and psychically--but not, of necessity, socially. A
musician does not necessarily have musical children; a reformer does not
necessarily have reforming children. There is no reason why our
children should be expected to see things as we do. They may never see
the way out of the wilderness as we see it.

They are to love and serve, to shelter, guard, teach--and set free!

We must do our work--and they must do theirs.

*

Here is a question from Detroit.

"I entirely agree with you in believing that children should be governed
by reason, and that coercion is a mistake; but how would you suggest
dealing with a child before it can possibly understand reason?"

The writer then speaks of the selfishness and rudeness of undisciplined
children, and goes on:

"I have always thought that the training of a child should begin from a
very early age, long before they can listen to reason at all."

She is quite right. Child culture should begin as soon as the child
begins. The difficulty of the average parent is that he or she assumes
"reason" to mean reasoning--oral argument.

In the reaction from our old violent discipline, they use no discipline;
and for repression substitute gross indulgence.

When a child learns that fire burns by a mild, safe burning, he learns
_reasonably;_ the fire _reacts_--which is not a punishment, but a
consequence. He should learn the rights of others as early as his own,
and by similar processes. Real child culture calls for far more care
and training than the old rule of thumb, but it is of a different kind.

*

"I am very much interested in your 'Androcentric Culture.' Is it your
idea that the female organism was the stronger before consciousness
existed only, or after that period in prehistoric times?"

For the scientific facts underlying the above work, all readers are
referred to Chapter XIV. of "_Pure Sociology,_" by Lester F. Ward. It
is--or should be--in every Public Library, and should be read by every
woman in the world--and by the men also.

THE EDITOR'S PROBLEM

How to enlarge the subscription list!

To pay its running expenses this little magazine must have about three
thousand subscribers. It now has between eleven and twelve hundred.

We want, to make good measure, two thousand more. This is a bare
minimum, providing no salary to the editor.

If enough people care for the magazine to support it to that extent, the
editor will do her work for nothing--and be glad of the chance! If
enough people care for it to support her--she will be gladder.

Do you like the magazine, its spirit and purpose? Do you find genuine
interest and amusement in the novel--the short story? Do the articles
appeal to you? Do the sermons rouse thought and stir to action? Are
the problems treated such as you care to study? Does the poetry have
bones to it as well as feathers? Does it give you your dollar's worth
in the year? And do you want another dollar's worth?

Most of the people who take it like it very much. We are going to
print, a few at a time, some of the pleasant praises our readers send.
They are so cordial that we are moved to ask all those who do enjoy this
little monthly service of sermon and story, fun and fiction, poetry and
prose:

First, To renew their subscriptions.

Second, Each to get one new subscriber. (Maybe more!)

Third, To make Christmas present of subscriptions, or of bound volumes
of the first year.

FROM LETTERS OF SUBSCRIBERS

"I am delighted to hear of the Forerunner. No one in the United States
is so competent as you to write the whole of a magazine, little or big,
from the beginning to end. You have the gift of expression, if anyone
has, and, what is still more important, you have something to express."

*

"I enclose in this $1.00 for one year of the 'Gilmanian' and I think it
a bargain to get so much of you at the price."

*

"Indeed I am more than delighted to have an opportunity to communicate
regularly with you through The Forerunner, and I shall be very proud to
be numbered among the charter subscribers."

*

"Herewith I send $1.00 for my subscription, with all manner of good
wishes for your magazine. Our family has enjoyed every line."

*

"I laid my copy on her dish, and she was so pleased with it that she
came to me with her dollar shortly afterwards."

*

"I enclose $1.00 for a year's subscription. I found The Forerunner most
interesting, and shall look forward to it every month."

*

"The magazine is 'bully.' It even exceeds all my expectations, high as
these were. There are so many good points about the Forerunner that I
hope to come down soon with my husband to congratulate you in person."

*

"I have received the first number of your magazine, and am more than
pleased with it. The first article was splendid--and ought to be read
before every circle of mothers belonging to the Mothers Congress."

*

Enclosed find two subscriptions to The Forerunner. I am making
Christmas gifts to my friends of your interesting and stimulating
periodical."

*

"I think The Forerunner foreruns a lot of good things. It is strong,
interesting, fearless, yet kindly, genial--I like it."

*

"The magazine is unique and distinctly 'Gilmanesque,' which is a
sufficient recommendation to me."

*

"I am constantly surprised at your originality and versatility, and
knowledge of human nature."

*

"Of course I have _got to have_ The Forerunner! And I shall read every
word of every issue. So will everybody else. But what makes you so
lazy? _Why don't you set the type?"_

*

"Your magazine has more real common sense to the square inch than any I
have ever seen. I enclose subscription for one year, beginning with the
first number."

*

"I think a very great deal of this publication and shall try to have a
complete file of it on hand to use for reference. I know of nothing
better in the whole field of the 'Woman Question.'"

*

"I am just 'stuck' on that article 'Why we honestly fear Socialism,' in
December Forerunner, and think it one of the best things to circulate
for propaganda work that I have yet seen."

*

"Will you please send me a year's subscription to The Forerunner, dating
from the first number. They are too good for me to miss any."

*

"I feel The Forerunner will fill a need. In my case it gratifies an
absorbing desire. I knew ere it came out that women would get something
for which they had waited, Lo! these many years."

*

"Your magazines are splendid and I must be among your regular readers."

*

"The first number of The Forerunner has reached us and we wish to
express our appreciation of its excellence and the wish for its long
life. Please find enclosed $1.00, our subscription for the current
year."

*

"Mrs. ----- and I are delighted with The Forerunner and send this dollar
to keep it running our way. Please send samples to the addresses on the
attached list. They should all take the paper, and I shall be glad to
tell them so the first chance I have."

*

"The ----- Club is using your Androcentric Culture articles as the study
one evening each month as they appear. If you can't make something out
of men and women, then indeed only a miracle can."

"I _must_ have _your_ magazine all to myself!--and trust to the Lord to
provide the material bread!"

*

"B---- and I have just returned from a delightful week end with Mrs.
-----. I told her about The Forerunner--and she naturally feels that
life is worthless until she has seen it."

*

"The verses are all brilliant; I don't know how you can think of so many
gay and serious things all at the same time. It is as if you took your
conjuror's hat out and produced eggs, cannon-balls, perfume flowers, and
a whole live, quivering beef at the same stroke. You are a sure
conjuror."

*

"Your scintellating first number has arrived. I have been waiting for
an hour of leisure in which to tell you how much we have all enjoyed
it."

*

"Oh! Charlotte Perkins Gilman! You have--and do--and will--'Contribute
to the great stream of civilization'--by courageously obeying the
injunction, and calling aloud to your sisters to 'Let your light
shine.'"

*

"If you do no other good and great thing you will certainly work one
tremendous miracle; you will rouse every lazy brain that gets a glimpse
into these pages with such a dynamic force that a real desire may be
kindled to Think--Think--Think--for itself."

*

"I am delighted with the magazine. It is meaty, and stimulating."

*

"The valuable readable material in it justifies the absence of any text
on the part of the new minister. It will create free souls and that is
the great work, for while a dead body is not pleasant to look upon, a
dead soul is a thousand fold worse."

*

"I enclose one year's subscription to it for my sister, to whom I am
giving it as one of her Christmas presents. And I know she will enjoy
The Forerunner as much as I do."

*

"The magazines are very interesting and I wish you much success. I am
particularly interested in the suffrage arguments."

*

"I am charmed--thrilled with your strong trenchment work. You are one
of the few who clearly see and forcibly express the fundamental
difference between the old androcentric world and the new dawning age in
which women and men co-operate in _world building._"

*

"I have been wanting and intending to congratulate you on your effort
and result,--and to wish you everlasting success. It is unlike any of
the present-day magazines in many ways.

Allow me to say it is most interesting, and Mr. H---- joins me in
wishing for this publication a most brilliant future."

*

"Enclosed find $1.00, for which please send The Forerunner, your fine
crisp magazine."

*

"I see your _think marks_ on many an article written by both men and
women, and I know they have read your books."

*

"I want ten copies of the January Forerunner. I think it is
particularly good and the article on suffrage--or 'The Humanness of
Women,' one of the very best things I ever read on the subject."

*

"The Forerunner is a great success! I like it all, and it is not
disappointing in any respect in spite of the fact that I have been
getting more impatient to see it each month since I subscribed for it."

*

"Please send The Forerunner to me at ----- -----. It does good
digging--loosens up the soil nicely."

*

"I have enjoyed The Forerunner very much. I feel that I am getting more
than my money's worth; so to help the cause along I am sending you
herewith a few names of progressive friends, who will, I think, become
subscribers, and help in turn."

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IT IS A KIND BY ITSELF
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SECOND YEAR

IS CALLED:

"Breezy, vigorous."
"Brusher away of cobwebs."
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"Crisp and bold thoughts."
"An eye-opener."
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"Place not filled by any other."
"Speaks not as the Scribes and Pharisees."
"Charged with the gunpowder of progress."

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With _The Forerunner,_ $1.80.

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The Forecast

PHILADELPHIA'S ONLY MAGAZINE

Is right there every time on every topic uppermost in the minds of the
public.

THE SEPTEMBER NUMBER

contains many special features that are readable, timely, lively.

ELLA WHEELER WILCOX tells of "The Influences Which Shaped My Career."

ANTOINETTE E. GAZZAM contributes an original article on "Clothes" which
is most beautifully illustrated and full of valuable suggestions and
pleasing surprises.

THOMAS MARTINDALE, the renowned sportsman and author of "Sport Royal,"
and other fascinating sporting tales, tells of "The Lure of Hunting."
Mr. Martindale never wrote more entertainingly than in this article.

EDWENA LAWRENCE reveals inside information in an article, especially
pleasing to theatre-goers, on "The Educational Value of a Theatrical
Stock Company," an article that will be appreciated by both the actor
and auditor.

SPLENDID FICTION, intimate sketches of the personalities of the day,
able book reviews, able articles on political, social, civic and
national phases of the leading questions of the day, and an entertaining
department of Fun, Fact and Fiction, as well as

CHARLES HOUSTON GOUDISS'S splendid eugenism in an article treating of
the most important phase of the prevention of child degradation, combine
in making The Forecast the most attractive ten cent magazine published.

THE FORECAST,

423 Lafayette Building, Philadelphia.

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Books by Charlotte Perkins Gilman

Sent postpaid by

THE CHARLTON COMPANY
67 WALL STREET, NEW YORK

"Women and Economics" $1.50

Since John Stuart Mill's essay there has been no book dealing with the
whole position of women to approach it in originality of conception and
brilliancy of exposition.--_London Chronicle._

A remarkable book. A work on economics that has not a dull page--the
work of a woman about women that has not a flippant word.--_Boston
Transcript._

Will be widely read and discussed as the cleverest, fairest, most
forcible presentation of the view of the rapidly increasing group who
look with favor on the extension of industrial employment to
women.--_Political Science Quarterly._

"Concerning Children" $1.25

WANTED:--A philanthropist, to give a copy to every English-speaking
parent.--_The Times,_ New York.

Should be read by every mother in the land.--_The Press,_ New York.

Wholesomely disturbing book that deserves to be read for its own
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"In This Our World" (Poems) $1.25

There is a joyous superabundance of life, of strength, of health, in
Mrs. Gilman's verse, which seems born of the glorious sunshine and rich
gardens of California.--_Washington Times._

The poet of women and for women, a new and prophetic voice in the world.
Montaigne would have rejoiced in her.--_Mexican Herald._

"The Yellow Wall Paper" $0.50

Worthy of a place beside some of the weird masterpieces of Hawthorne and
Poe.--_Literature._

As a short story it stands among the most powerful produced in
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"The Home" $1.00

Indeed, Mrs. Gilman has not intended her book so much as a treatise for
scholars as a surgical operation on the popular mind.--_The Critic,_ New
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It is safe to say that no more stimulating arraignment has ever before
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Charlotte Perkins Stetson Gilman has been writing a new book, entitled
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In her latest volume, "Human Work," Charlotte Perkins Gilman places
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social economics.--"San Francisco Star._

It is impossible to overestimate the value of the insistence on the
social aspect of human affairs as Mrs. Gilman has outlined it.--_Public
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IN PREPARATION:

"What Diantha Did" (A Novel) $1.00

"The Man Made World": or, "Our Androcentric Culture" $1.00

Orders taken for Bound Vols. THE FORERUNNER, $1.25

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THE FORERUNNER
CHARLOTTE PERKINS GILMAN'S MAGAZINE
CHARLTON CO., 67 WALL ST., NEW YORK

AS TO PURPOSE:

_What is The Forerunner?_ It is a monthly magazine, publishing stories
short and serial, article and essay; drama, verse, satire and sermon;
dialogue, fable and fantasy, comment and review. It is written entirely
by Charlotte Perkins Gilman.

_What is it For?_ It is to stimulate thought: to arouse hope, courage
and impatience; to offer practical suggestions and solutions, to voice
the strong assurance of better living, here, now, in our own hands to
make.

_What is it about?_ It is about people, principles, and the questions
of every-day life; the personal and public problems of to-day. It gives
a clear, consistent view of human life and how to live it.

_Is it a Woman's magazine?_ It will treat all three phases of our
existence--male, female and human. It will discuss Man, in his true
place in life; Woman, the Unknown Power; the Child, the most important
citizen.

_Is it a Socialist Magazine?_ It is a magazine for humanity, and
humanity is social. It holds that Socialism, the economic theory, is
part of our gradual Socialization, and that the duty of conscious
humanity is to promote Socialization.

_Why is it published?_ It is published to express ideas which need a
special medium; and in the belief that there are enough persons
interested in those ideas to justify the undertaking.

AS TO ADVERTISING:

We have long heard that "A pleased customer is the best advertiser."
The Forerunner offers to its advertisers and readers the benefit of this
authority. In its advertising department, under the above heading, will
be described articles personally known and used. So far as individual
experience and approval carry weight, and clear truthful description
command attention, the advertising pages of The Forerunner will be
useful to both dealer and buyer. If advertisers prefer to use their own
statements The Forerunner will publish them if it believes them to be
true.

AS TO CONTENTS:

The main feature of the first year is a new book on a new subject with a
new name:--

_"Our Androcentric Culture."_ this is a study of the historic effect on
normal human development of a too exclusively masculine civilization.
It shows what man, the male, has done to the world: and what woman, the
more human, may do to change it.

_"What Diantha Did."_ This is a serial novel. It shows the course of
true love running very crookedly--as it so often does--among the
obstructions and difficulties of the housekeeping problem--and solves
that problem. (NOT by co-operation.)

Among the short articles will appear:

"Private Morality and Public Immorality."
"The Beauty Women Have Lost"
"Our Overworked Instincts."
"The Nun in the Kitchen."
"Genius: Domestic and Maternal."
"A Small God and a Large Goddess."
"Animals in Cities."
"How We Waste Three-Fourths Of Our Money."
"Prize Children"
"Kitchen-Mindedness"
"Parlor-Mindedness"
"Nursery-Mindedness"

There will be short stories and other entertaining matter in each issue.
The department of "Personal Problems" does not discuss etiquette,
fashions or the removal of freckles. Foolish questions will not be
answered, unless at peril of the asker.

AS TO VALUE: