Reprinted from the February 1934 issue of Doc Savage Magazine

"FINDING TIME" FOR THE CLUB

EVERY day, our members flood the office with letters telling us of the many things they are doing to prove themselves worthy of the Doc Savage Club, and to show that they live up to the Code of Doc Savage. Occasionally, some one writes to know just how he can fulfill the obligations of membership in our club; how he can accomplish things which will stand out as deeds which are worth while.

There are many who do not believe their daily tasks important enough to qualify as "accomplishments." These are always under the impression that they might not be doing as much as they could.

One letter, from Harry Cotseres, of Wilmette, Illinois, shows this clearly. He writes:

"I have read every Doc Savage Magazine that has been published, as far as I know.

"I only wish I had the chance to do something worth while. I work every day of the week, except Sundays, from a. m. to p. m. Tell me where and how am I going to find time for your Doc Savage Club ? I sincerely wish to join. I've always wished to join a real club like this.

"I would have written sooner than this, but I just wanted to make sure of somebody that I could depend upon for cooperation. I think I have the person for that.

"I promise to stick to the Code of Doc Savage and try to fulfill its purpose.

Now, does not the man who works day in and day out, doing his task as well as he can, improving himself, both for work and play, in every way he is ableÑdoes not this man deserve to be enrolled among the members of our club and marked as a man of ideals? The very fact that he does not feel completely content with his present position shows that he is bound to get ahead; that he is bound to work and strive for something better, some way of improvement.

Certainly we could ask for no better type of member than the one who must work hard for his living; one who can realize just what it means to forge ahead through difficulties, conquer obstacles before he reaches his goal. That is the very life of Doc Savage and his companions. They do not loll about Doc's headquarters enjoying their wealth, but go out in the world and work harder than the average man does in his daily work.

Also, there is no necessity for a lot of spare time in order to enjoy the benefits of Doc Savage Club, and no necessity for companions, though they are often most pleasant. This is not a "sparetime" club; it is not devised to use up a few odd hours each day in some foolish endeavor. There is nothing that the Code of Doc Savage asks, and that this club urges upon its members, which cannot be practiced at work as well as at play, in fact, it is more applicable to work than to pleasure.

We are not striving to form social clubs. We do not ask that our members establish clubhouses, hold meetings and entertainments. In fact, we urge the opposite. We want each of our members to be his own "organization," to learn to depend upon himself for whatever he needs, and to do, through his own efforts, all he can to make this a better world to live in.

After all, there is nothing like putting your own shoulder to the wheel and pushing, and there is no better way to get ahead than to pick yourself up and tug. More and more, ambitious folk are learning that the only goals worthy of attainment are those which you reach through your own struggle. Then you have the satisfaction of knowing that, whatever your joys, you worked for them yourself and you owe nothing to others.

So let us point out to all our members that there are countless ways to live up to the ideals of our club every minute of the day and night, no matter what you may be doing. If you cannot have the thrill of adventure, cannot spend your time doing great things, then do whatever small things you can. In your daily work, show your fellow workers that your ideals are a bit above the average; show this by your attitude toward your work and your companions. Give all you have to the job in hand; do everything in the very best way that you possibly can.

Toward your companions, show an attitude of cooperation and interest. Leave smallness and pettiness out of your characteristics. Try to show them that you,believe in a great fellowship of people, and that you are willing to be a real friend, and a real companion, to every one.

All this does not seem to be so much on paper. It is the simplest of formulas for success and happiness. But it is hard of attainment. You've really got to mean it before you can put it over. But once you do, you'll see just what we mean when we say that you can live up to our ideals no matter what your task may be.

And what is a better way to show your companions what you are trying to do than to have them, also, be instilled with the same purpose and ideals ? Why not show them the purpose of our club; display your emblem, point out our club news to them, and see if they, too, will not see the great purpose which is here?

We want every one to join our club, but we want to be sure that they have enough ambition, enough spirit, in them, to be fine members who will really strive to live up to our code. Have them send in the coupon showing their willingness to be among us. If they desire the emblem, inclosing the sum of ten cents in cash or stamps will help to defray part of the cost of manufacture, and will stamp them openly as one of us. That, however, is not necessary. The important thing is to send in the coupon which enrolls you as a member, then live up to our code.

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