The Forerunners

"The Forerunners" by Romain Rolland is a series of essays from the time of World War I. The author writes about people who stood up against hate and violence, promoting peace, togetherness, and thinking for yourself. He shines a light on thinkers like Maxim Gorki and Bertrand Russell, who spoke out against the war. The book starts with Rolland dedicating it to those who fought for a new world of cooperation, remembering the dedication of people who wanted peace during a time of turmoil. Rolland's introduction talks about how the essays came to be in Switzerland between 1915 and 1919 to give people hope and make them think during Europe's struggles. Rolland highlights how important it is to hold onto the best of humanity instead of giving in to the worst, suggesting that we can build a more united and peaceful future through shared effort and support for one another.