In discussing some special articles that were to be written in connection with war activities, the editor of a large metropolitan daily specified that the articles must have some local interest or application, that they must in some way be "hitched up" to the city and its life, or they would not appeal to readers. His orders were of course obeyed, but the thought came, "Is not this provincial?" Is it not narrowing and limiting the thought of readers to give them nothing outside their present interests, to keep them bound, as it were, within the confines of their immediate likes and dislikes? Is such a thought-restriction on a community good, and in reality is it what the people would really demand if they were awake to and insistent upon their needs? They accept it now under the mesmerism that makes them believe they desire nothing outside themselves.
Then thought flew to what The Christian Science Monitor supplies in this respect. It brings the whole world to the doors of its readers. Though a person may live in Boston or Minneapolis, it believes that person may be interested in Capetown or Honolulu as a city, or in the conditions existing there. How much more such an editorial view gives a reader, how much wider and more interesting becomes that reader's life! He lives not only in the town where he may be personally residing but in the world. Not only does he enjoy life more but he is a better citizen of his own community because of this broader vision and increased knowledge.
Then thought brought other helpful features of The Christian Science Monitor out into the light, features that had been enjoyed but taken, one might say, as a matter of course, much as we take the day-in-and-day-out loving ministrations of those in our homes. It was realized that after a perusal of this newspaper one reader at least was filled with a sense of energy, with a desire to do more and better work. This reading of the world's activities and life, of the big, useful things being done around the globe, was like a draught of inspiration that quickened mind and spirit. One wanted more than ever to be even a part of this useful world activity. He went to his task with more enthusiasm and greater power.
