Page:May Walden - Socialism and the Home (1900).pdf/25

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Is not this a political movement? She cannot vote. Yes, this is a political movement; we mean to win at the ballot box, and there are many ways by which she can help. It will depend upon what your occupation is, and what your own temperament is, as to the way in which you shall work, my friend. Primarily, your work is to create a sentiment in favor of the overthrow of capitalism and the establishment of the Co-operative Commonwealth. There is at present a tremendous amount of energy wasted in church work and "charity." The most of this is foolish and impracticable. Do not misunderstand me. I would not have you give up your "church work" if you are active in it now. I would have you study so thoroughly the question of how we are to live better, that you will be able to work intelligently in the church, and not serve the cause of capitalism by your work. In your Sunday school class search out the capitalist ethics in the lessons and study how to supplant them by socialist ethics—the kind that Jesus really taught. If you are a Christian Scientist, or a follower of any similar philosophy, study the philosophy of socialism until you have mastered it; then compare it with yours, then APPLYING THE PRINCIPLES OF SOCIALISM, work, "demonsrate," and create harmony among the workers.

If you are a housekeeper, too worried and busy to find room for a new thought (as one housekeeper told me she was) simplify your housework in every possible way that you may find time to realize this one statement—that your lot, more than that of anybody else, will be made easier and pleasanter under socialism. Open your house to neighbors in order to talk over this matter with them. Avoid gossip and all talk about petty household affairs. If you have any one near you who is interested in socialism and knows