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Title:AVindicationoftheRightsofWomanTitle:VindicationoftheRightsofWomen

Author:MaryWollstonecraft[Godwin]

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AVINDICATIONOFTHERIGHTSOF
WOMAN,WITHSTRICTURESONPOLITICAL
ANDMORALSUBJECTS,BYMARY
WOLLSTONECRAFT.
WITHABIOGRAPHICALSKETCHOFTHEAUTHOR.

CONTENTS.

INTRODUCTION.

CHAPTER1.THERIGHTSANDINVOLVEDDUTIESOFMANKINDCONSIDERED.

CHAPTER2.THEPREVAILINGOPINIONOFASEXUALCHARACTERDISCUSSED.

CHAPTER3.THESAMESUBJECTCONTINUED.

CHAPTER4.OBSERVATIONSONTHESTATEOFDEGRADATIONTOWHICHWOMANISREDUCEDBY
VARIOUSCAUSES.

CHAPTER5.ANIMADVERSIONSONSOMEOFTHEWRITERSWHOHAVERENDEREDWOMENOBJECTSOF
PITY,BORDERINGONCONTEMPT.

CHAPTER6.THEEFFECTWHICHANEARLYASSOCIATIONOFIDEASHASUPONTHECHARACTER.

CHAPTER7.MODESTY.COMPREHENSIVELYCONSIDERED,ANDNOTASASEXUALVIRTUE.

CHAPTER8.MORALITYUNDERMINEDBYSEXUALNOTIONSOFTHEIMPORTANCEOFAGOOD
REPUTATION

CHAPTER9.OFTHEPERNICIOUSEFFECTSWHICHARISEFROMTHEUNNATURALDISTINCTIONS
ESTABLISHEDINSOCIETY.

CHAPTER10.PARENTALAFFECTION.

CHAPTER11.DUTYTOPARENTS

CHAPTER12.ONNATIONALEDUCATION

CHAPTER13.SOMEINSTANCESOFTHEFOLLYWHICHTHEIGNORANCEOFWOMENGENERATESWITH
CONCLUDINGREFLECTIONSONTHEMORALIMPROVEMENTTHATAREVOLUTIONINFEMALE
MANNERSMAYNATURALLYBEEXPECTEDTOPRODUCE.8April,2001

ABRIEFSKETCHOFTHELIFEOFMARYWOLLSTONECRAFT.
M.Wollstonecraftwasbornin1759.Herfatherwassogreatawanderer,thattheplaceofherbirthis
uncertainshesupposed,however,itwasLondon,orEppingForest:atthelatterplaceshespentthefirstfive
yearsofherlife.Inearlyyouthsheexhibitedtracesofexquisitesensibility,soundnessofunderstanding,and
decisionofcharacterbutherfatherbeingadespotinhisfamily,andhermotheroneofhissubjects,Mary,
derivedlittlebenefitfromtheirparentaltraining.Shereceivednoliteraryinstructionsbutsuchasweretobe
hadinordinarydayschools.BeforehersixteenthyearshebecameacquaintedwithMr.Clareaclergyman,
andMissFrancesBloodthelatter,twoyearsolderthanherselfwhopossessinggoodtasteandsome
knowledgeofthefinearts,seemstohavegiventhefirstimpulsetotheformationofhercharacter.Attheage
ofnineteen,sheleftherparents,andresidedwithaMrs.Dawsonfortwoyearswhenshereturnedtothe
parentalrooftogiveattentiontohermother,whoseillhealthmadeherpresencenecessary.Onthedeathof
hermother,Marybadeafinaladieutoherfather'shouse,andbecametheinmateofF.Bloodthussituated,
theirintimacyincreased,andastrongattachmentwasreciprocated.In1783shecommencedadayschoolat
Newingtongreen,inconjunctionwithherfriend,F.Blood.AtthisplaceshebecameacquaintedwithDr.
Price,towhomshebecamestronglyattachedtheregardwasmutual.

Itissaidthatshebecameateacherfrommotivesofbenevolence,orratherphilanthropy,andduringthetime
shecontinuedintheprofession,shegaveproofofsuperiorqualificationfortheperformanceofitsarduous
andimportantduties.HerfriendandcoadjutormarriedandremovedtoLisbon,inPortugal,whereshedied
ofapulmonarydiseasethesymptomsofwhichwerevisiblebeforehermarriage.SotruewasMary's
attachmenttoher,thatsheentrustedherschooltothecareofothers,forthepurposeofattendingFrancesin
herclosingscene.Sheaided,asdidDr.Young,in"StealingNarcissaagrave."Hermindwasexpandedby
thisresidenceinaforeigncountry,andthoughclearofreligiousbigotrybefore,shetooksomeinstructive
lessonsontheevilsofsuperstition,andintolerance.

Onherreturnshefoundtheschoolhadsufferedbyherabsence,andhavingpreviouslydecidedtoapply
herselftoliterature,shenowresolvedtocommence.In1787shemade,orreceived,proposalsfromJohnson,
apublisherinLondon,whowasalreadyacquaintedwithhertalentsasanauthor.Duringthethreesubsequent
years,shewasactivelyengaged,moreintranslating,condensing,andcompiling,thanintheproductionof
originalworks.Atthistimeshelabouredundermuchdepressionofspirits,forthelossofherfriendthis
ratherincreased,perhaps,bythepublicationof"Mary,anovel,"whichwasmostlycomposedofincidents
andreflectionsconnectedwiththeirintimacy.

Thepecuniaryconcernsofherfatherbecomingembarrassed,Marypractisedarigideconomyinher
expenditures,andwithhersavingswasenabledtoprocurehersistersandbrotherssituations,towhich
withoutheraid,theycouldnothavehadaccessherfatherwassustainedatlengthfromherfundssheeven
foundmeanstotakeunderherprotectionanorphanchild.

Shehadacquiredafacilityinthearrangementandexpressionofthoughts,inheravocationoftranslator,and
compiler,whichwasnodoubtofgreatusetoherafterward.Itwasnotlonguntilshehadoccasionforthem.
TheeminentBurkeproducedhiscelebrated"ReflectionsontheRevolutioninFrance."Maryfullof
sentimentsofliberty,andindignantatwhatshethoughtsubversiveofit,seizedherpenandproducedthefirst
attackuponthatfamouswork.Itsucceededwell,forthoughintemperateandcontemptuous,itwas
vehementlyandimpetuouslyeloquentandthoughBurkewasbelovedbytheenlightenedfriendsoffreedom,
theyweredissatisfiedanddisgustedwithwhattheydeemedanoutrageuponit.

ItissaidthatMary,hadnotwantedconfidenceinherownpowersbefore,butthereceptionthisworkmet
fromthepublic,gaveheranopportunityofjudgingwhatthosepowerswere,intheestimationofothers.It
wasshortlyafterthis,thatshecommencedtheworktowhichtheseremarksareprefixed.Whatareitsmerits
willbedecidedinthejudgmentofeachreadersufficeittosaysheappearstohavesteptforthboldly,and
singly,indefenceofthathalfofthehumanrace,whichbytheusagesofallsociety,whethersavageor
civilized,havebeenkeptfromattainingtheirproperdignitytheirequalrankasrationalbeings.Itwould
appearthatthedisguiseusedinplacingonwomanthesilkenfetterswhichbribedherintoendurance,and
evenloveofslavery,butincreasedtheoppositionofourauthoress:shewouldhavehadmorepatiencewith
rude,brutecoercion,thanwiththatimposinggallantry,which,whileitaffectstoconsiderwomanasthe
pride,andornamentofcreation,degradeshertoatoyanappendageacypher.Theworkwasmuch
reprehended,andasmightwellbeexpected,founditsgreatestenemiesintheprettysoftcreaturesthe
spoiledchildrenofherownsex.Sheaccomplisheditinsixweeks.
In1792sheremovedtoParis,whereshebecameacquaintedwithGilbertImlay,oftheUnitedStates.And
fromthisacquaintancegrewanattachment,whichbroughtthepartiestogether,withoutlegalformalities,to
whichsheobjectedonaccountofsomefamilyembarrassments,inwhichhewouldtherebybecomeinvolved.
Theengagementwashoweverconsideredbyherofthemostsacrednature,andtheyformedtheplanof
emigratingtoAmerica,wheretheyshouldbeenabledtoaccomplishit.Thesewerethedaysof
Robespierreancruelty,andImlayleftParisforHavre,whitherafteratimeMaryfollowedhim.They
continuedtoresidethere,untilheleftHavreforLondon,underpretenceofbusiness,andwithapromiseof
rejoininghersoonatParis,whichhoweverhedidnot,butin1795sentforhertoLondon.Inthemeantime
shehadbecomethemotherofafemalechild,whomshecalledFrancesincommemorationofherearly
friendship.

BeforeshewenttoEngland,shehadsomegloomyforebodingsthattheaffectionsofImlay,hadwaned,if
theywerenotestrangedfromheronherarrival,thoseforebodingsweresorrowfullyconfirmed.His
attentionsweretooformalandconstrainedtopassunobservedbyherpenetration,andthoughheascribedhis
manner,andhisabsence,tobusinessduties,shesawhisaffectionforherwasonlysomethingtobe
remembered.Touseherownexpression,"Love,deardelusion!Rigorousreasonhasforcedmetoresignand
nowmyrationalprospectsareblasted,justasIhavelearnedtobecontentedwithrationalenjoyments."To
pretendtodepicthermiseryatthistimewouldbefutilethebestideacanbeformedofitfromthefactthat
shehadplannedherowndestruction,fromwhichImlaypreventedher.Sheconceivedtheideaofsuicidea
secondtime,andthrewherselfintotheThamessheremainedinthewater,untilconsciousnessforsookher,
butshewastakenupandresuscitated.AfterdiversattemptstorevivetheaffectionsofImlay,withsundry
explanationsandprofessionsonhispart,throughthelapseoftwoyears,sheresolvedfinallytoforgoallhope
ofreclaiminghim,andendeavourtothinkofhimnomoreinconnexionwithherfutureprospects.Inthisshe
succeededsowell,thatsheafterwardshadaprivateinterviewwithhim,whichdidnotproduceanypainful
emotions.

In1796sherevivedorimprovedanacquaintancewhichcommencedyearsbeforewithWm.Godwin,author
of"PoliticalJustice,"andotherworksofgreatnotoriety.Thoughtheyhadnotbeenfavourablyimpressed
witheachotherontheirformeracquaintance,theynowmetundercircumstanceswhichpermittedamutual
andjustappreciationofcharacter.Theirintimacyincreasedbyregularandalmostimperceptibledegrees.The
partialitytheyconceivedforeachotherwas,accordingtoherbiographer,"Inthemostrefinedstyleoflove.
Itgrewwithequaladvancesinthemindofeach.Itwouldhavebeenimpossibleforthemostminuteobserver
tohavesaidwhowasbefore,orwhoafter.Onesexdidnottaketheprioritywhichlongestablishedcustom
hasawardedit,northeotheroverstepthatdelicacywhichissoseverelyimposed.Neitherpartycouldassume
tohavebeentheagentorthepatient,thetoilspreaderorthepreyintheaffair.Wheninthecourseofthings
thedisclosurecame,therewasnothinginamannerforeithertodisclosetotheother."

Marylivedbutafewmonthsafterhermarriage,anddiedinchildbedhavinggivenbirthtoadaughterwho
isnowknowntotheliteraryworldasMrs.Shelly,thewidowofPercyByscheShelly.

Wecanscarcelyavoidregretthatoneofsuchsplendidtalents,andhightonedfeelings,should,afterthe
formerseemedtohavebeenfullydeveloped,andthelatterhadfoundanobjectinwhomtheymightrepose,
aftertheireccentricandpainfuleffortstofindarestingplacethatsuchanoneshouldatsuchatime,becut
offfromlifeissomethingwhichwecannotcontemplatewithoutfeelingregretwecanscarcelyrepressthe
murmurthatshehadnotbeenremovederecloudsdarkenedherhorizon,orthatshehadremainedtowitness
thebrightnessandserenitywhichmighthavesucceeded.Butthusitiswemaytracethecausetoantisocial
arrangementsitisnotindividualsbutsocietywhichmustchangeit,andthatnotbyenactments,butbya
changeinpublicopinion.

Theauthoressofthe"RightsofWoman,"wasbornApril1759,died
September1797.

Thattheremaybenodoubtregardingthefactsinthissketch,theyaretakenfromamemoirwrittenbyher
afflictedhusband.Inadditiontomanykindthingshehassaidofher,(hewasnotblindedtoimperfectionsin
hercharacter)is,thatshewas"Lovelyinherperson,andinthebestandmostengagingsensefeminineinher
manners."

TO
M.TALLEYRANDPERIGORD,

LATEBISHOPOFAUTUN.

Sir:

Havingreadwithgreatpleasureapamphlet,whichyouhavelatelypublished,onNationalEducation,I
dedicatethisvolumetoyou,thefirstdedicationthatIhaveeverwritten,toinduceyoutoreaditwith
attentionand,becauseIthinkthatyouwillunderstandme,whichIdonotsupposemanypertwitlingswill,
whomayridiculetheargumentstheyareunabletoanswer.But,sir,Icarrymyrespectforyour
understandingstillfarther:sofar,thatIamconfidentyouwillnotthrowmyworkaside,andhastilyconclude
thatIaminthewrongbecauseyoudidnotviewthesubjectinthesamelightyourself.Andpardonmy
frankness,butImustobserve,thatyoutreateditintoocursoryamanner,contentedtoconsideritasithad
beenconsideredformerly,whentherightsofman,nottoadverttowoman,weretrampledonaschimerical.I
calluponyou,therefore,nowtoweighwhatIhaveadvancedrespectingtherightsofwoman,andnational
educationandIcallwiththefirmtoneofhumanity.Formyarguments,sir,aredictatedbyadisinterested
spirit:Ipleadformysex,notformyself.IndependenceIhavelongconsideredasthegrandblessingoflife,
thebasisofeveryvirtueandindependenceIwilleversecurebycontractingmywants,thoughIweretolive
onabarrenheath.

Itis,then,anaffectionforthewholehumanracethatmakesmypendartrapidlyalongtosupportwhatI
believetobethecauseofvirtue:andthesamemotiveleadsmeearnestlytowishtoseewomanplacedina
stationinwhichshewouldadvance,insteadofretarding,theprogressofthosegloriousprinciplesthatgivea
substancetomorality.Myopinion,indeed,respectingtherightsanddutiesofwoman,seemstoflowso
naturallyfromthesesimpleprinciples,thatIthinkitscarcelypossible,butthatsomeoftheenlargedminds
whoformedyouradmirableconstitution,willcoincidewithme.

InFrance,thereisundoubtedlyamoregeneraldiffusionofknowledgethaninanypartoftheEuropean
world,andIattributeit,inagreatmeasure,tothesocialintercoursewhichhaslongsubsistedbetweenthe
sexes.Itistrue,Iuttermysentimentswithfreedom,thatinFrancetheveryessenceofsensualityhasbeen
extractedtoregalethevoluptuary,andakindofsentimentallusthasprevailed,which,togetherwiththe
systemofduplicitythatthewholetenoroftheirpoliticalandcivilgovernmenttaught,havegivenasinister
sortofsagacitytotheFrenchcharacter,properlytermedfinesseandapolishofmannersthatinjuresthe
substance,byhuntingsincerityoutofsociety.And,modesty,thefairestgarbofvirtuehasbeenmoregrossly
insultedinFrancethaneveninEngland,tilltheirwomenhavetreatedasPRUDISHthatattentiontodecency
whichbrutesinstinctivelyobserve.

Mannersandmoralsaresonearlyallied,thattheyhaveoftenbeenconfoundedbut,thoughtheformer
shouldonlybethenaturalreflectionofthelatter,yet,whenvariouscauseshaveproducedfactitiousand
corruptmanners,whichareveryearlycaught,moralitybecomesanemptyname.Thepersonalreserve,and
sacredrespectforcleanlinessanddelicacyindomesticlife,whichFrenchwomenalmostdespise,arethe
gracefulpillarsofmodestybut,farfromdespisingthem,ifthepureflameofpatriotismhavereachedtheir
bosoms,theyshouldlabourtoimprovethemoralsoftheirfellowcitizens,byteachingmen,notonlyto
respectmodestyinwomen,buttoacquireitthemselves,astheonlywaytomerittheiresteem.

Contendingfortherightsofwomen,mymainargumentisbuiltonthissimpleprinciple,thatifshebenot
preparedbyeducationtobecomethecompanionofman,shewillstoptheprogressofknowledge,fortruth
mustbecommontoall,oritwillbeinefficaciouswithrespecttoitsinfluenceongeneralpractice.Andhow
canwomanbeexpectedtocooperate,unlesssheknowwhysheoughttobevirtuous?Unlessfreedom
strengthenherreasontillshecomprehendherduty,andseeinwhatmanneritisconnectedwithherreal
good?Ifchildrenaretobeeducatedtounderstandthetrueprincipleofpatriotism,theirmothermustbea
patriotandtheloveofmankind,fromwhichanorderlytrainofvirtuesspring,canonlybeproducedby
consideringthemoralandcivilinterestofmankindbuttheeducationandsituationofwoman,atpresent,
shutsheroutfromsuchinvestigations.

InthisworkIhaveproducedmanyarguments,whichtomewereconclusive,toprove,thattheprevailing
notionrespectingasexualcharacterwassubversiveofmorality,andIhavecontended,thattorenderthe
humanbodyandmindmoreperfect,chastitymustmoreuniversallyprevail,andthatchastitywillneverbe
respectedinthemaleworldtillthepersonofawomanisnot,asitwere,idolizedwhenlittlevirtueorsense
embellishitwiththegrandtracesofmentalbeauty,ortheinterestingsimplicityofaffection.

Consider,Sir,dispassionately,theseobservations,foraglimpseofthistruthseemedtoopenbeforeyouwhen
youobserved,"thattoseeonehalfofthehumanraceexcludedbytheotherfromallparticipationof
government,wasapoliticalphenomenonthat,accordingtoabstractprinciples,itwasimpossibletoexplain."
Ifso,onwhatdoesyourconstitutionrest?Iftheabstractrightsofmanwillbeardiscussionandexplanation,
thoseofwoman,byaparityofreasoning,willnotshrinkfromthesametest:thoughadifferentopinion
prevailsinthiscountry,builtontheveryargumentswhichyouusetojustifytheoppressionofwoman,
prescription.

Consider,Iaddressyouasalegislator,whether,whenmencontendfortheirfreedom,andtobeallowedto
judgeforthemselves,respectingtheirownhappiness,itbenotinconsistentandunjusttosubjugatewomen,
eventhoughyoufirmlybelievethatyouareactinginthemannerbestcalculatedtopromotetheirhappiness?
Whomademantheexclusivejudge,ifwomanpartakewithhimthegiftofreason?

Inthisstyle,arguetyrantsofeverydenominationfromtheweakkingtotheweakfatherofafamilytheyare
alleagertocrushreasonyetalwaysassertthattheyusurpitsthroneonlytobeuseful.Doyounotacta
similarpart,whenyouFORCEallwomen,bydenyingthemcivilandpoliticalrights,toremainimmuredin
theirfamiliesgropinginthedark?Forsurely,sir,youwillnotassert,thatadutycanbebindingwhichisnot
foundedonreason?If,indeed,thisbetheirdestination,argumentsmaybedrawnfromreasonandthus
augustlysupported,themoreunderstandingwomenacquire,themoretheywillbeattachedtotheirduty,
comprehendingit,forunlesstheycomprehendit,unlesstheirmoralsbefixedonthesameimmutable
principlesasthoseofman,noauthoritycanmakethemdischargeitinavirtuousmanner.Theymaybe
convenientslaves,butslaverywillhaveitsconstanteffect,degradingthemasterandtheabjectdependent.

But,ifwomenaretobeexcluded,withouthavingavoice,fromaparticipationofthenaturalrightsof
mankind,provefirst,towardoffthechargeofinjusticeandinconsistency,thattheywantreason,elsethis
flawinyourNEWCONSTITUTION,thefirstconstitutionfoundedonreason,willevershowthatmanmust,
insomeshape,actlikeatyrant,andtyranny,inwhateverpartofsocietyitrearsitsbrazenfront,willever
underminemorality.

Ihaverepeatedlyasserted,andproducedwhatappearedtomeirrefragableargumentsdrawnfrommattersof
fact,toprovemyassertion,thatwomencannot,byforce,beconfinedtodomesticconcernsfortheywill
howeverignorant,intermeddlewithmoreweightyaffairs,neglectingprivatedutiesonlytodisturb,by
cunningtricks,theorderlyplansofreasonwhichriseabovetheircomprehension.

Besides,whilsttheyareonlymadetoacquirepersonalaccomplishments,menwillseekforpleasurein
variety,andfaithlesshusbandswillmakefaithlesswivessuchignorantbeings,indeed,willbevery
excusablewhen,nottaughttorespectpublicgood,norallowedanycivilright,theyattempttodothemselves
justicebyretaliation.

Theboxofmischiefthusopenedinsociety,whatistopreserveprivatevirtue,theonlysecurityofpublic
freedomanduniversalhappiness?

LettherebethennocoercionESTABLISHEDinsociety,andthecommonlawofgravityprevailing,the
sexeswillfallintotheirproperplaces.And,nowthatmoreequitablelawsareformingyourcitizens,
marriagemaybecomemoresacredyouryoungmenmaychoosewivesfrommotivesofaffection,andyour
maidensallowlovetorootoutvanity.

Thefatherofafamilywillnotthenweakenhisconstitutionanddebasehissentiments,byvisitingtheharlot,
norforget,inobeyingthecallofappetite,thepurposeforwhichitwasimplantedandthemotherwillnot
neglectherchildrentopractisetheartsofcoquetry,whensenseandmodestysecureherthefriendshipofher
husband.

But,tillmenbecomeattentivetothedutyofafather,itisvaintoexpectwomentospendthattimeintheir
nurserywhichthey,"wiseintheirgeneration,"choosetospendattheirglassforthisexertionofcunningis
onlyaninstinctofnaturetoenablethemtoobtainindirectlyalittleofthatpowerofwhichtheyareunjustly
deniedasharefor,ifwomenarenotpermittedtoenjoylegitimaterights,theywillrenderbothmenand
themselvesvicious,toobtainillicitprivileges.

Iwish,sir,tosetsomeinvestigationsofthiskindafloatinFranceandshouldtheyleadtoaconfirmationof
myprinciples,whenyourconstitutionisrevised,therightsofwomanmayberespected,ifitbefullyproved
thatreasoncallsforthisrespect,andloudlydemandsJUSTICEforonehalfofthehumanrace.

Iam,sir,

Yoursrespectfully,

M.W.

INTRODUCTION.

Afterconsideringthehistoricpage,andviewingthelivingworldwithanxioussolicitude,themost
melancholyemotionsofsorrowfulindignationhavedepressedmyspirits,andIhavesighedwhenobligedto
confess,thateithernaturehasmadeagreatdifferencebetweenmanandman,orthatthecivilization,which
hashithertotakenplaceintheworld,hasbeenverypartial.Ihaveturnedovervariousbookswrittenonthe
subjectofeducation,andpatientlyobservedtheconductofparentsandthemanagementofschoolsbutwhat
hasbeentheresult?aprofoundconviction,thattheneglectededucationofmyfellowcreaturesisthegrand
sourceofthemiseryIdeploreandthatwomeninparticular,arerenderedweakandwretchedbyavarietyof
concurringcauses,originatingfromonehastyconclusion.Theconductandmannersofwomen,infact,
evidentlyprove,thattheirmindsarenotinahealthystatefor,liketheflowersthatareplantedintooricha
soil,strengthandusefulnessaresacrificedtobeautyandtheflauntingleaves,afterhavingpleaseda
fastidiouseye,fade,disregardedonthestalk,longbeforetheseasonwhentheyoughttohavearrivedat
maturity.OnecauseofthisbarrenbloomingIattributetoafalsesystemofeducation,gatheredfromthe
bookswrittenonthissubjectbymen,who,consideringfemalesratheraswomenthanhumancreatures,have
beenmoreanxioustomakethemalluringmistressesthanrationalwivesandtheunderstandingofthesex
hasbeensobubbledbythisspecioushomage,thatthecivilizedwomenofthepresentcentury,withafew
exceptions,areonlyanxioustoinspirelove,whentheyoughttocherishanoblerambition,andbytheir
abilitiesandvirtuesexactrespect.

Inatreatise,therefore,onfemalerightsandmanners,theworkswhichhavebeenparticularlywrittenfor
theirimprovementmustnotbeoverlookedespeciallywhenitisasserted,indirectterms,thatthemindsof
womenareenfeebledbyfalserefinementthatthebooksofinstruction,writtenbymenofgenius,havehad
thesametendencyasmorefrivolousproductionsandthat,inthetruestyleofMahometanism,theyareonly
consideredasfemales,andnotasapartofthehumanspecies,whenimprovablereasonisallowedtobethe
dignifieddistinction,whichraisesmenabovethebrutecreation,andputsanaturalsceptreinafeeblehand.

Yet,becauseIamawoman,Iwouldnotleadmyreaderstosuppose,thatImeanviolentlytoagitatethe
contestedquestionrespectingtheequalityandinferiorityofthesexbutasthesubjectliesinmyway,andI
cannotpassitoverwithoutsubjectingthemaintendencyofmyreasoningtomisconstruction,Ishallstopa
momenttodeliver,inafewwords,myopinion.Inthegovernmentofthephysicalworld,itisobservablethat
thefemale,ingeneral,isinferiortothemale.Themalepursues,thefemaleyieldsthisisthelawofnature
anditdoesnotappeartobesuspendedorabrogatedinfavourofwoman.Thisphysicalsuperioritycannotbe
deniedanditisanobleprerogative!Butnotcontentwiththisnaturalpreeminence,menendeavourtosink
usstilllower,merelytorenderusalluringobjectsforamomentandwomen,intoxicatedbytheadoration
whichmen,undertheinfluenceoftheirsenses,paythem,donotseektoobtainadurableinterestintheir
hearts,ortobecomethefriendsofthefellowcreatureswhofindamusementintheirsociety.

Iamawareofanobviousinference:fromeveryquarterhaveIheardexclamationsagainstmasculinewomen
butwherearetheytobefound?If,bythisappellation,menmeantoinveighagainsttheirardourinhunting,
shooting,andgaming,Ishallmostcordiallyjoininthecrybutifitbe,againsttheimitationofmanly
virtues,or,moreproperlyspeaking,theattainmentofthosetalentsandvirtues,theexerciseofwhich
ennoblesthehumancharacter,andwhichraisefemalesinthescaleofanimalbeing,whentheyare
comprehensivelytermedmankindallthosewhoviewthemwithaphilosophicaleyemust,Ishouldthink,
wishwithme,thattheymayeverydaygrowmoreandmoremasculine.

Thisdiscussionnaturallydividesthesubject.Ishallfirstconsiderwomeninthegrandlightofhuman
creatures,who,incommonwithmen,areplacedonthisearthtounfoldtheirfacultiesandafterwardsIshall
moreparticularlypointouttheirpeculiardesignation.

Iwishalsotosteerclearofanerror,whichmanyrespectablewritershavefallenintofortheinstruction
whichhashithertobeenaddressedtowomen,hasratherbeenapplicabletoLADIES,ifthelittleindirect
advice,thatisscatteredthroughSandfordandMerton,beexceptedbut,addressingmysexinafirmertone,I
payparticularattentiontothoseinthemiddleclass,becausetheyappeartobeinthemostnaturalstate.
Perhapstheseedsoffalserefinement,immorality,andvanityhaveeverbeenshedbythegreat.Weak,
artificialbeingsraisedabovethecommonwantsandaffectionsoftheirrace,inaprematureunnatural
manner,underminetheveryfoundationofvirtue,andspreadcorruptionthroughthewholemassofsociety!
Asaclassofmankindtheyhavethestrongestclaimtopity!theeducationoftherichtendstorenderthem
vainandhelpless,andtheunfoldingmindisnotstrengthenedbythepracticeofthosedutieswhichdignify
thehumancharacter.Theyonlylivetoamusethemselves,andbythesamelawwhichinnatureinvariably
producescertaineffects,theysoononlyaffordbarrenamusement.

ButasIpurposetakingaseparateviewofthedifferentranksofsociety,andofthemoralcharacterof
women,ineach,thishintis,forthepresent,sufficientandIhaveonlyalludedtothesubject,becauseit
appearstometobetheveryessenceofanintroductiontogiveacursoryaccountofthecontentsofthework
itintroduces.

Myownsex,Ihope,willexcuseme,ifItreatthemlikerationalcreatures,insteadofflatteringtheir
FASCINATINGgraces,andviewingthemasiftheywereinastateofperpetualchildhood,unabletostand
alone.IearnestlywishtopointoutinwhattruedignityandhumanhappinessconsistsIwishtopersuade
womentoendeavourtoacquirestrength,bothofmindandbody,andtoconvincethem,thatthesoftphrases,
susceptibilityofheart,delicacyofsentiment,andrefinementoftaste,arealmostsynonymouswithepithets
ofweakness,andthatthosebeingswhoareonlytheobjectsofpityandthatkindoflove,whichhasbeen
termeditssister,willsoonbecomeobjectsofcontempt.

Dismissingthenthoseprettyfemininephrases,whichthemencondescendinglyusetosoftenourslavish
dependence,anddespisingthatweakelegancyofmind,exquisitesensibility,andsweetdocilityofmanners,
supposedtobethesexualcharacteristicsoftheweakervessel,Iwishtoshowthateleganceisinferiorto
virtue,thatthefirstobjectoflaudableambitionistoobtainacharacterasahumanbeing,regardlessofthe
distinctionofsexandthatsecondaryviewsshouldbebroughttothissimpletouchstone.

ThisisaroughsketchofmyplanandshouldIexpressmyconvictionwiththeenergeticemotionsthatIfeel
wheneverIthinkofthesubject,thedictatesofexperienceandreflectionwillbefeltbysomeofmyreaders.
Animatedbythisimportantobject,IshalldisdaintocullmyphrasesorpolishmystyleIaimatbeing
useful,andsinceritywillrendermeunaffectedforwishingrathertopersuadebytheforceofmyarguments,
thandazzlebytheeleganceofmylanguage,Ishallnotwastemytimeinroundingperiods,norinfabricating
theturgidbombastofartificialfeelings,which,comingfromthehead,neverreachtheheart.Ishallbe
employedaboutthings,notwords!and,anxioustorendermysexmorerespectablemembersofsociety,I
shalltrytoavoidthatflowerydictionwhichhasslidedfromessaysintonovels,andfromnovelsintofamiliar
lettersandconversation.

Theseprettynothings,thesecaricaturesoftherealbeautyofsensibility,droppinggliblyfromthetongue,
vitiatethetaste,andcreateakindofsicklydelicacythatturnsawayfromsimpleunadornedtruthanda
delugeoffalsesentimentsandoverstretchedfeelings,stiflingthenaturalemotionsoftheheart,renderthe
domesticpleasuresinsipid,thatoughttosweetentheexerciseofthosesevereduties,whicheducatearational
andimmortalbeingforanoblerfieldofaction.

Theeducationofwomenhas,oflate,beenmoreattendedtothanformerlyyettheyarestillreckoneda
frivoloussex,andridiculedorpitiedbythewriterswhoendeavourbysatireorinstructiontoimprovethem.
Itisacknowledgedthattheyspendmanyofthefirstyearsoftheirlivesinacquiringasmatteringof
accomplishments:meanwhile,strengthofbodyandmindaresacrificedtolibertinenotionsofbeauty,tothe
desireofestablishingthemselves,theonlywaywomencanriseintheworldbymarriage.Andthisdesire
makingmereanimalsofthem,whentheymarry,theyactassuchchildrenmaybeexpectedtoact:theydress
theypaint,andnicknameGod'screatures.Surelytheseweakbeingsareonlyfitfortheseraglio!Canthey
governafamily,ortakecareofthepoorbabeswhomtheybringintotheworld?

Ifthenitcanbefairlydeducedfromthepresentconductofthesex,fromtheprevalentfondnessforpleasure,
whichtakesplaceofambitionandthosenoblerpassionsthatopenandenlargethesoulthattheinstruction
whichwomenhavereceivedhasonlytended,withtheconstitutionofcivilsociety,torenderthem
insignificantobjectsofdesiremerepropagatorsoffools!ifitcanbeproved,thatinaimingtoaccomplish
them,withoutcultivatingtheirunderstandings,theyaretakenoutoftheirsphereofduties,andmade
ridiculousanduselesswhentheshortlivedbloomofbeautyisover*,IpresumethatRATIONALmenwill
excusemeforendeavouringtopersuadethemtobecomemoremasculineandrespectable.

(*Footnote.Alivelywriter,Icannotrecollecthisname,askswhatbusinesswomenturnedoffortyhavetodo
intheworld.)

Indeedthewordmasculineisonlyabugbear:thereislittlereasontofearthatwomenwillacquiretoomuch
courageorfortitudefortheirapparentinferioritywithrespecttobodilystrength,mustrenderthem,insome
degree,dependentonmeninthevariousrelationsoflifebutwhyshoulditbeincreasedbyprejudicesthat
giveasextovirtue,andconfoundsimpletruthswithsensualreveries?

Womenare,infact,somuchdegradedbymistakennotionsoffemaleexcellence,thatIdonotmeantoadda
paradoxwhenIassert,thatthisartificialweaknessproducesapropensitytotyrannize,andgivesbirthto
cunning,thenaturalopponentofstrength,whichleadsthemtoplayoffthosecontemptibleinfantileairsthat
undermineesteemevenwhilsttheyexcitedesire.Donotfostertheseprejudices,andtheywillnaturallyfall
intotheirsubordinate,yetrespectablestationinlife.

Itseemsscarcelynecessarytosay,thatInowspeakofthesexingeneral.Manyindividualshavemoresense
thantheirmalerelativesand,asnothingpreponderateswherethereisaconstantstruggleforanequilibrium,
withoutithasnaturallymoregravity,somewomengoverntheirhusbandswithoutdegradingthemselves,
becauseintellectwillalwaysgovern.

VINDICATIONOFTHERIGHTSOFWOMAN.

CHAPTER1.

THERIGHTSANDINVOLVEDDUTIESOFMANKINDCONSIDERED.

Inthepresentstateofsociety,itappearsnecessarytogobacktofirstprinciplesinsearchofthemostsimple
truths,andtodisputewithsomeprevailingprejudiceeveryinchofground.Toclearmyway,Imustbe
allowedtoasksomeplainquestions,andtheanswerswillprobablyappearasunequivocalastheaxiomson
whichreasoningisbuiltthough,whenentangledwithvariousmotivesofaction,theyareformally
contradicted,eitherbythewordsorconductofmen.

Inwhatdoesman'spreeminenceoverthebrutecreationconsist?
Theanswerisasclearasthatahalfislessthanthewholein
Reason.

Whatacquirementexaltsonebeingaboveanother?Virtuewespontaneouslyreply.

Forwhatpurposewerethepassionsimplanted?Thatmanbystrugglingwiththemmightattainadegreeof
knowledgedeniedtothebrutes:whispersExperience.

Consequentlytheperfectionofournatureandcapabilityofhappiness,mustbeestimatedbythedegreeof
reason,virtue,andknowledge,thatdistinguishtheindividual,anddirectthelawswhichbindsociety:and
thatfromtheexerciseofreason,knowledgeandvirtuenaturallyflow,isequallyundeniable,ifmankindbe
viewedcollectively.
Therightsanddutiesofmanthussimplified,itseemsalmostimpertinenttoattempttoillustratetruthsthat
appearsoincontrovertible:yetsuchdeeplyrootedprejudiceshavecloudedreason,andsuchspurious
qualitieshaveassumedthenameofvirtues,thatitisnecessarytopursuethecourseofreasonasithasbeen
perplexedandinvolvedinerror,byvariousadventitiouscircumstances,comparingthesimpleaxiomwith
casualdeviations.

Men,ingeneral,seemtoemploytheirreasontojustifyprejudices,whichtheyhaveimbibed,theycannot
tracehow,ratherthantorootthemout.Themindmustbestrongthatresolutelyformsitsownprinciplesfor
akindofintellectualcowardiceprevailswhichmakesmanymenshrinkfromthetask,oronlydoitby
halves.Yettheimperfectconclusionsthusdrawn,arefrequentlyveryplausible,becausetheyarebuilton
partialexperience,onjust,thoughnarrow,views.

Goingbacktofirstprinciples,viceskulks,withallitsnativedeformity,fromcloseinvestigationbutasetof
shallowreasonersarealwaysexclaimingthattheseargumentsprovetoomuch,andthatameasurerottenat
thecoremaybeexpedient.Thusexpediencyiscontinuallycontrastedwithsimpleprinciples,tilltruthislost
inamistofwords,virtueinforms,andknowledgerenderedasoundingnothing,bythespeciousprejudices
thatassumeitsname.

Thatthesocietyisformedinthewisestmanner,whoseconstitutionisfoundedonthenatureofman,strikes,
intheabstract,everythinkingbeingsoforcibly,thatitlookslikepresumptiontoendeavourtobringforward
proofsthoughproofmustbebrought,orthestrongholdofprescriptionwillneverbeforcedbyreasonyet
tourgeprescriptionasanargumenttojustifythedeprivingmen(orwomen)oftheirnaturalrights,isoneof
theabsurdsophismswhichdailyinsultcommonsense.

ThecivilizationofthebulkofthepeopleofEurope,isverypartialnay,itmaybemadeaquestion,whether
theyhaveacquiredanyvirtuesinexchangeforinnocence,equivalenttothemiseryproducedbythevices
thathavebeenplasteredoverunsightlyignorance,andthefreedomwhichhasbeenbarteredforsplendid
slavery.Thedesireofdazzlingbyriches,themostcertainpreeminencethatmancanobtain,thepleasureof
commandingflatteringsycophants,andmanyothercomplicatedlowcalculationsofdotingselflove,haveall
contributedtooverwhelmthemassofmankind,andmakelibertyaconvenienthandleformockpatriotism.
Forwhilstrankandtitlesareheldoftheutmostimportance,beforewhichGenius"musthideitsdiminished
head,"itis,withafewexceptions,veryunfortunateforanationwhenamanofabilities,withoutrankor
property,pusheshimselfforwardtonotice.Alas!whatunheardofmiseryhavethousandssufferedto
purchaseacardinal'shatforanintriguingobscureadventurer,wholongedtoberankedwithprinces,orlord
itoverthembyseizingthetriplecrown!

Such,indeed,hasbeenthewretchednessthathasflowedfromhereditaryhonours,riches,andmonarchy,that
menoflivelysensibilityhavealmostutteredblasphemyinordertojustifythedispensationsofprovidence.
Manhasbeenheldoutasindependentofhispowerwhomadehim,orasalawlessplanetdartingfromits
orbittostealthecelestialfireofreasonandthevengeanceofheaven,lurkinginthesubtileflame,
sufficientlypunishedhistemerity,byintroducingevilintotheworld.

Impressedbythisviewofthemiseryanddisorderwhichpervadedsociety,andfatiguedwithjostlingagainst
artificialfools,Rousseaubecameenamouredofsolitude,and,beingatthesametimeanoptimist,helabours
withuncommoneloquencetoprovethatmanwasnaturallyasolitaryanimal.Misledbyhisrespectforthe
goodnessofGod,whocertainlyforwhatmanofsenseandfeelingcandoubtit!gavelifeonlyto
communicatehappiness,heconsidersevilaspositive,andtheworkofmannotawarethathewasexalting
oneattributeattheexpenseofanother,equallynecessarytodivineperfection.

Rearedonafalsehypothesis,hisargumentsinfavourofastateofnatureareplausible,butunsound.Isay
unsoundfortoassertthatastateofnatureispreferabletocivilizationinallitspossibleperfection,is,in
otherwords,toarraignsupremewisdomandtheparadoxicalexclamation,thatGodhasmadeallthings
right,andthatevilhasbeenintroducedbythecreaturewhomheformed,knowingwhatheformed,isas
unphilosophicalasimpious.

WhenthatwiseBeing,whocreatedusandplacedushere,sawthefairidea,hewilled,byallowingittobe
so,thatthepassionsshouldunfoldourreason,becausehecouldseethatpresentevilwouldproducefuture
good.Couldthehelplesscreaturewhomhecalledfromnothing,breakloosefromhisprovidence,andboldly
learntoknowgoodbypractisingevilwithouthispermission?No.Howcouldthatenergeticadvocatefor
immortalityarguesoinconsistently?Hadmankindremainedforeverinthebrutalstateofnature,whicheven
hismagicpencannotpaintasastateinwhichasinglevirtuetookroot,itwouldhavebeenclear,thoughnot
tothesensitiveunreflectingwanderer,thatmanwasborntorunthecircleoflifeanddeath,andadornGod's
gardenforsomepurposewhichcouldnoteasilybereconciledwithhisattributes.

Butif,tocrownthewhole,thereweretoberationalcreaturesproduced,allowedtoriseinexcellencybythe
exerciseofpowersimplantedforthatpurposeifbenignityitselfthoughtfittocallintoexistenceacreature
abovethebrutes,whocouldthinkandimprovehimself,whyshouldthatinestimablegift,foragiftitwas,if
amanwassocreatedastohaveacapacitytoriseabovethestateinwhichsensationproducedbrutalease,be
called,indirectterms,acurse?Acurseitmightbereckoned,ifallourexistencewasboundedbyour
continuanceinthisworldforwhyshouldthegraciousfountainoflifegiveuspassions,andthepowerof
reflecting,onlytoembitterourdays,andinspireuswithmistakennotionsofdignity?Whyshouldheleadus
fromloveofourselvestothesublimeemotionswhichthediscoveryofhiswisdomandgoodnessexcites,if
thesefeelingswerenotsetinmotiontoimproveournature,ofwhichtheymakeapart,andrenderuscapable
ofenjoyingamoregodlikeportionofhappiness?FirmlypersuadedthatnoevilexistsintheworldthatGod
didnotdesigntotakeplace,IbuildmybeliefontheperfectionofGod.

Rousseauexertshimselftoprove,thatallWASrightoriginally:acrowdofauthorsthatallISnowright:and
I,thatallWILLBEright.

But,truetohisfirstposition,nexttoastateofnature,Rousseaucelebratesbarbarism,and,apostrophizing
theshadeofFabricius,heforgetsthat,inconqueringtheworld,theRomansneverdreamedofestablishing
theirownlibertyonafirmbasis,orofextendingthereignofvirtue.Eagertosupporthissystem,he
stigmatizes,asvicious,everyeffortofgeniusandutteringtheapotheosisofsavagevirtues,heexaltsthoseto
demigods,whowerescarcelyhumanthebrutalSpartans,whoindefianceofjusticeandgratitude,
sacrificed,incoldblood,theslavesthathadshownthemselvesmentorescuetheiroppressors.

Disgustedwithartificialmannersandvirtues,thecitizenofGeneva,insteadofproperlysiftingthesubject,
threwawaythewheatwiththechaff,withoutwaitingtoinquirewhethertheevils,whichhisardentsoul
turnedfromindignantly,weretheconsequenceofcivilization,orthevestigesofbarbarism.Hesawvice
tramplingonvirtue,andthesemblanceofgoodnesstakingplaceoftherealityhesawtalentsbentbypower
tosinisterpurposes,andneverthoughtoftracingthegiganticmischiefuptoarbitrarypower,uptothe
hereditarydistinctionsthatclashwiththementalsuperioritythatnaturallyraisesamanabovehisfellows.He
didnotperceive,thattheregalpower,inafewgenerations,introducesidiotismintothenoblestem,and
holdsoutbaitstorenderthousandsidleandvicious.

Nothingcansettheregalcharacterinamorecontemptiblepointofview,thanthevariouscrimesthathave
elevatedmentothesupremedignity.Vileintrigues,unnaturalcrimes,andeveryvicethatdegradesour
nature,havebeenthestepstothisdistinguishedeminenceyetmillionsofmenhavesupinelyallowedthe
nervelesslimbsoftheposterityofsuchrapaciousprowlers,torestquietlyontheirensanguinedthrones.

Whatbutapestilentialvapourcanhoveroversociety,whenitschiefdirectorisonlyinstructedinthe
inventionofcrimes,orthestupidroutineofchildishceremonies?Willmenneverbewise?willtheynever
ceasetoexpectcornfromtares,andfigsfromthistles?

Itisimpossibleforanyman,whenthemostfavourablecircumstancesconcur,toacquiresufficient
knowledgeandstrengthofmindtodischargethedutiesofaking,entrustedwithuncontrolledpowerhow
thenmusttheybeviolatedwhenhisveryelevationisaninsuperablebartotheattainmentofeitherwisdom
orvirtuewhenallthefeelingsofamanarestifledbyflattery,andreflectionshutoutbypleasure!Surelyitis
madnesstomakethefateofthousandsdependonthecapriceofaweakfellowcreature,whoseverystation
sinkshimNECESSARILYbelowthemeanestofhissubjects!Butonepowershouldnotbethrowndownto
exaltanotherforallpowerintoxicatesweakmananditsabuseproves,thatthemoreequalitythereis
establishedamongmen,themorevirtueandhappinesswillreigninsociety.Butthis,andanysimilarmaxim
deducedfromsimplereason,raisesanoutcrythechurchorthestateisindanger,iffaithinthewisdomof
antiquityisnotimplicitandtheywho,rousedbythesightofhumancalamity,daretoattackhuman
authority,arereviledasdespisersofGod,andenemiesofman.Thesearebittercalumnies,yettheyreached
oneofthebestofmen,(Dr.Price.)whoseashesstillpreachpeace,andwhosememorydemandsarespectful
pause,whensubjectsarediscussedthatlaysonearhisheart.
Afterattackingthesacredmajestyofkings,Ishallscarcelyexcitesurprise,byaddingmyfirmpersuasion,
thateveryprofession,inwhichgreatsubordinationofrankconstitutesitspower,ishighlyinjuriousto
morality.

Astandingarmy,forinstance,isincompatiblewithfreedombecausesubordinationandrigourarethevery
sinewsofmilitarydisciplineanddespotismisnecessarytogivevigourtoenterprisesthatonewilldirects.A
spiritinspiredbyromanticnotionsofhonour,akindofmoralityfoundedonthefashionoftheage,canonly
befeltbyafewofficers,whilstthemainbodymustbemovedbycommand,likethewavesoftheseaforthe
strongwindofauthoritypushesthecrowdofsubalternsforward,theyscarcelyknoworcarewhy,with
headlongfury.

Besides,nothingcanbesoprejudicialtothemoralsoftheinhabitantsofcountrytowns,astheoccasional
residenceofasetofidlesuperficialyoungmen,whoseonlyoccupationisgallantry,andwhosepolished
mannersrendervicemoredangerous,byconcealingitsdeformityundergayornamentaldrapery.Anairof
fashion,whichisbutabadgeofslavery,andprovesthatthesoulhasnotastrongindividualcharacter,awes
simplecountrypeopleintoanimitationofthevices,whentheycannotcatchtheslipperygracesof
politeness.Everycorpsisachainofdespots,who,submittingandtyrannizingwithoutexercisingtheir
reason,becomedeadweightsofviceandfollyonthecommunity.Amanofrankorfortune,sureofrisingby
interest,hasnothingtodobuttopursuesomeextravagantfreakwhilsttheneedyGENTLEMAN,whoisto
rise,asthephraseturns,byhismerit,becomesaservileparasiteorvilepander.

Sailors,thenavalgentlemen,comeunderthesamedescription,onlytheirvicesassumeadifferentanda
grossercast.Theyaremorepositivelyindolent,whennotdischargingtheceremonialsoftheirstationwhilst
theinsignificantflutteringofsoldiersmaybetermedactiveidleness.Moreconfinedtothesocietyofmen,
theformeracquireafondnessforhumourandmischievoustrickswhilstthelatter,mixingfrequentlywith
wellbredwomen,catchasentimentalcant.Butmindisequallyoutofthequestion,whethertheyindulgethe
horselaughorpolitesimper.

MayIbeallowedtoextendthecomparisontoaprofessionwheremoremindiscertainlytobefoundforthe
clergyhavesuperioropportunitiesofimprovement,thoughsubordinationalmostequallycrampstheir
faculties?Theblindsubmissionimposedatcollegetoformsofbelief,servesasanoviciatetothecuratewho
mostobsequiouslyrespectstheopinionofhisrectororpatron,ifhemeanstoriseinhisprofession.Perhaps
therecannotbeamoreforciblecontrastthanbetweentheservile,dependentgaitofapoorcurate,andthe
courtlymienofabishop.Andtherespectandcontempttheyinspirerenderthedischargeoftheirseparate
functionsequallyuseless.

Itisofgreatimportancetoobserve,thatthecharacterofeverymanis,insomedegree,formedbyhis
profession.Amanofsensemayonlyhaveacastofcountenancethatwearsoffasyoutracehisindividuality,
whilsttheweak,commonman,hasscarcelyeveranycharacter,butwhatbelongstothebodyatleast,allhis
opinionshavebeensosteepedinthevatconsecratedbyauthority,thatthefaintspiritwhichthegrapeofhis
ownvineyieldscannotbedistinguished.

Society,therefore,asitbecomesmoreenlightened,shouldbeverycarefulnottoestablishbodiesofmenwho
mustnecessarilybemadefoolishorviciousbytheveryconstitutionoftheirprofession.

Intheinfancyofsociety,whenmenwerejustemergingoutofbarbarism,chiefsandpriests,touchingthe
mostpowerfulspringsofsavageconducthopeandfearmusthavehadunboundedsway.Anaristocracy,
ofcourse,isnaturallythefirstformofgovernment.Butclashinginterestssoonlosingtheirequipoise,a
monarchyandhierarchybreakoutoftheconfusionofambitiousstruggles,andthefoundationofbothis
securedbyfeudaltenures.Thisappearstobetheoriginofmonarchialandpriestlypower,andthedawnof
civilization.Butsuchcombustiblematerialscannotlongbepentupandgettingventinforeignwarsand
intestineinsurrections,thepeopleacquiresomepowerinthetumult,whichobligestheirrulerstoglossover
theiroppressionwithashowofright.Thus,aswars,agriculture,commerce,andliterature,expandsthemind,
despotsarecompelled,tomakecovertcorruptionholdfastthepowerwhichwasformerlysnatchedbyopen
force.*Andthisbanefullurkinggangreneismostquicklyspreadbyluxuryandsuperstition,thesuredregs
ofambition.Theindolentpuppetofacourtfirstbecomesaluxuriousmonster,orfastidioussensualist,and
thenmakesthecontagionwhichhisunnaturalstatespreads,theinstrumentoftyranny.
(*Footnote.Menofabilitiesscatterseedsthatgrowup,andhaveagreatinfluenceontheformingopinion
andwhenoncethepublicopinionpreponderates,throughtheexertionofreason,theoverthrowofarbitrary
powerisnotverydistant.)

Itisthepestiferouspurplewhichrenderstheprogressofcivilizationacurse,andwarpstheunderstanding,
tillmenofsensibilitydoubtwhethertheexpansionofintellectproducesagreaterportionofhappinessor
misery.ButthenatureofthepoisonpointsouttheantidoteandhadRousseaumountedonestephigherinhis
investigationorcouldhiseyehavepiercedthroughthefoggyatmosphere,whichhealmostdisdainedto
breathe,hisactivemindwouldhavedartedforwardtocontemplatetheperfectionofmaninthe
establishmentoftruecivilization,insteadoftakinghisferociousflightbacktothenightofsensualignorance.

CHAPTER2.

THEPREVAILINGOPINIONOFASEXUALCHARACTERDISCUSSED.

Toaccountfor,andexcusethetyrannyofman,manyingeniousargumentshavebeenbroughtforwardto
prove,thatthetwosexes,intheacquirementofvirtue,oughttoaimatattainingaverydifferentcharacter:or,
tospeakexplicitly,womenarenotallowedtohavesufficientstrengthofmindtoacquirewhatreallydeserves
thenameofvirtue.Yetitshouldseem,allowingthemtohavesouls,thatthereisbutonewayappointedby
providencetoleadMANKINDtoeithervirtueorhappiness.

Ifthenwomenarenotaswarmofephemerontriflers,whyshouldtheybekeptinignoranceunderthe
speciousnameofinnocence?Mencomplain,andwithreason,ofthefolliesandcapricesofoursex,when
theydonotkeenlysatirizeourheadstrongpassionsandgrovelingvices.Behold,Ishouldanswer,thenatural
effectofignorance!Themindwilleverbeunstablethathasonlyprejudicestoreston,andthecurrentwill
runwithdestructivefurywhentherearenobarrierstobreakitsforce.Womenaretoldfromtheirinfancy,
andtaughtbytheexampleoftheirmothers,thatalittleknowledgeofhumanweakness,justlytermed
cunning,softnessoftemper,OUTWARDobedience,andascrupulousattentiontoapuerilekindofpropriety,
willobtainforthemtheprotectionofmanandshouldtheybebeautiful,everythingelseisneedless,forat
leasttwentyyearsoftheirlives.

ThusMiltondescribesourfirstfrailmotherthoughwhenhetellsusthatwomenareformedforsoftnessand
sweetattractivegrace,Icannotcomprehendhismeaning,unless,inthetrueMahometanstrain,hemeantto
depriveusofsouls,andinsinuatethatwewerebeingsonlydesignedbysweetattractivegrace,anddocile
blindobedience,togratifythesensesofmanwhenhecannolongersoaronthewingofcontemplation.

Howgrosslydotheyinsultus,whothusadviseusonlytorenderourselvesgentle,domesticbrutes!For
instance,thewinningsoftness,sowarmly,andfrequentlyrecommended,thatgovernsbyobeying.What
childishexpressions,andhowinsignificantisthebeingcanitbeanimmortalone?whowillcondescendto
governbysuchsinistermethods!"Certainly,"saysLordBacon,"manisofkintothebeastsbyhisbody:and
ifhebenotofkintoGodbyhisspirit,heisabaseandignoblecreature!"Men,indeed,appeartometoactin
averyunphilosophicalmanner,whentheytrytosecurethegoodconductofwomenbyattemptingtokeep
themalwaysinastateofchildhood.Rousseauwasmoreconsistentwhenhewishedtostoptheprogressof
reasoninbothsexesforifmeneatofthetreeofknowledge,womenwillcomeinforataste:but,fromthe
imperfectcultivationwhichtheirunderstandingsnowreceive,theyonlyattainaknowledgeofevil.

Children,Igrant,shouldbeinnocentbutwhentheepithetisappliedtomen,orwomen,itisbutacivilterm
forweakness.ForifitbeallowedthatwomenweredestinedbyProvidencetoacquirehumanvirtues,andby
theexerciseoftheirunderstandings,thatstabilityofcharacterwhichisthefirmestgroundtorestourfuture
hopesupon,theymustbepermittedtoturntothefountainoflight,andnotforcedtoshapetheircourseby
thetwinklingofameresatellite.Milton,Igrant,wasofaverydifferentopinionforheonlybendstothe
indefeasiblerightofbeauty,thoughitwouldbedifficulttorendertwopassages,whichInowmeanto
contrast,consistent:butintosimilarinconsistenciesaregreatmenoftenledbytheirsenses:

"TowhomthusEvewithperfectbeautyadorned:
Myauthoranddisposer,whatthoubidst
UnarguedIobeysoGodordains
Godisthylaw,thouminetoknownomore
Iswoman'shappiestknowledgeandherpraise."

TheseareexactlytheargumentsthatIhaveusedtochildrenbutIhaveadded,"Yourreasonisnowgaining
strength,and,tillitarrivesatsomedegreeofmaturity,youmustlookuptomeforadvice:thenyououghtto
THINK,andonlyrelyonGod."

Yet,inthefollowinglines,Miltonseemstocoincidewithme,whenhemakesAdamthusexpostulatewith
hisMaker:

"Hastthounotmademeherethysubstitute,
Andtheseinferiorfarbeneathmeset?
Amongunequalswhatsociety
Cansort,whatharmonyordelight?
Whichmustbemutual,inproportiondue
Givenandreceivedbutindisparity
Theoneintense,theotherstillremiss
Cannotwellsuitwitheither,butsoonprove
Tediousalike:offellowshipIspeak
SuchasIseekfittoparticipate
Allrationaldelight."

Intreating,therefore,ofthemannersofwomen,letus,disregardingsensualarguments,tracewhatweshould
endeavourtomaketheminordertocooperate,iftheexpressionbenottoobold,withtheSupremeBeing.

Byindividualeducation,Imeanforthesenseofthewordisnotpreciselydefinedsuchanattentiontoa
childaswillslowlysharpenthesenses,formthetemper,regulatethepassions,astheybegintoferment,and
settheunderstandingtoworkbeforethebodyarrivesatmaturitysothatthemanmayonlyhavetoproceed,
nottobegin,theimportanttaskoflearningtothinkandreason.

Topreventanymisconstruction,Imustadd,thatIdonotbelievethataprivateeducationcanworkthe
wonderswhichsomesanguinewritershaveattributedtoit.Menandwomenmustbeeducated,inagreat
degree,bytheopinionsandmannersofthesocietytheylivein.Ineveryagetherehasbeenastreamof
popularopinionthathascarriedallbeforeit,andgivenafamilycharacter,asitwere,tothecentury.Itmay
thenfairlybeinferred,that,tillsocietybedifferentlyconstituted,muchcannotbeexpectedfromeducation.It
is,however,sufficientformypresentpurposetoassert,that,whatevereffectcircumstanceshaveonthe
abilities,everybeingmaybecomevirtuousbytheexerciseofitsownreasonforifbutonebeingwascreated
withviciousinclinationsthatis,positivelybadwhatcansaveusfromatheism?orifweworshipaGod,
isnotthatGodadevil?

Consequently,themostperfecteducation,inmyopinion,issuchanexerciseoftheunderstandingasisbest
calculatedtostrengthenthebodyandformtheheartor,inotherwords,toenabletheindividualtoattain
suchhabitsofvirtueaswillrenderitindependent.Infact,itisafarcetocallanybeingvirtuouswhose
virtuesdonotresultfromtheexerciseofitsownreason.ThiswasRousseau'sopinionrespectingmen:I
extendittowomen,andconfidentlyassertthattheyhavebeendrawnoutoftheirspherebyfalserefinement,
andnotbyanendeavourtoacquiremasculinequalities.Stilltheregalhomagewhichtheyreceiveisso
intoxicating,that,tillthemannersofthetimesarechanged,andformedonmorereasonableprinciples,it
maybeimpossibletoconvincethemthattheillegitimatepower,whichtheyobtainbydegradingthemselves,
isacurse,andthattheymustreturntonatureandequality,iftheywishtosecuretheplacidsatisfactionthat
unsophisticatedaffectionsimpart.Butforthisepochwemustwaitwait,perhaps,tillkingsandnobles,
enlightenedbyreason,and,preferringtherealdignityofmantochildishstate,throwofftheirgaudy
hereditarytrappingsandifthenwomendonotresignthearbitrarypowerofbeauty,theywillprovethatthey
haveLESSmindthanman.ImaybeaccusedofarrogancestillImustdeclare,whatIfirmlybelieve,thatall
thewriterswhohavewrittenonthesubjectoffemaleeducationandmanners,fromRousseautoDr.Gregory,
havecontributedtorenderwomenmoreartificial,weakercharacters,thantheywouldotherwisehavebeen
and,consequently,moreuselessmembersofsociety.Imighthaveexpressedthisconvictioninalowerkey
butIamafraiditwouldhavebeenthewhineofaffectation,andnotthefaithfulexpressionofmyfeelings,of
theclearresult,whichexperienceandreflectionhaveledmetodraw.WhenIcometothatdivisionofthe
subject,IshalladverttothepassagesthatImoreparticularlydisapproveof,intheworksoftheauthorsI
havejustalludedtobutitisfirstnecessarytoobserve,thatmyobjectionextendstothewholepurportof
thosebooks,whichtend,inmyopinion,todegradeonehalfofthehumanspecies,andrenderwomen
pleasingattheexpenseofeverysolidvirtue.

ThoughtoreasononRousseau'sground,ifmandidattainadegreeofperfectionofmindwhenhisbody
arrivedatmaturity,itmightbeproperinordertomakeamanandhiswifeONE,thatsheshouldrelyentirely
onhisunderstandingandthegracefulivy,claspingtheoakthatsupportedit,wouldformawholeinwhich
strengthandbeautywouldbeequallyconspicuous.But,alas!husbands,aswellastheirhelpmates,areoften
onlyovergrownchildrennay,thankstoearlydebauchery,scarcelymenintheiroutwardform,andifthe
blindleadtheblind,oneneednotcomefromheaventotellustheconsequence.

Manyarethecausesthat,inthepresentcorruptstateofsociety,contributetoenslavewomenbycramping
theirunderstandingsandsharpeningtheirsenses.One,perhaps,thatsilentlydoesmoremischiefthanallthe
rest,istheirdisregardoforder.

Todoeverythinginanorderlymanner,isamostimportantprecept,whichwomen,who,generallyspeaking,
receiveonlyadisorderlykindofeducation,seldomattendtowiththatdegreeofexactnessthatmen,who
fromtheirinfancyarebrokenintomethod,observe.Thisnegligentkindofguesswork,forwhatotherepithet
canbeusedtopointouttherandomexertionsofasortofinstinctivecommonsense,neverbroughttothetest
ofreason?preventstheirgeneralizingmattersoffact,sotheydotoday,whattheydidyesterday,merely
becausetheydidityesterday.

Thiscontemptoftheunderstandinginearlylifehasmorebanefulconsequencesthaniscommonlysupposed
forthelittleknowledgewhichwomenofstrongmindsattain,is,fromvariouscircumstances,ofamore
desultorykindthantheknowledgeofmen,anditisacquiredmorebysheerobservationsonreallife,than
fromcomparingwhathasbeenindividuallyobservedwiththeresultsofexperiencegeneralizedby
speculation.Ledbytheirdependentsituationanddomesticemploymentsmoreintosociety,whattheylearn
isratherbysnatchesandaslearningiswiththem,ingeneral,onlyasecondarything,theydonotpursueany
onebranchwiththatperseveringardournecessarytogivevigourtothefaculties,andclearnesstothe
judgment.Inthepresentstateofsociety,alittlelearningisrequiredtosupportthecharacterofagentleman
andboysareobligedtosubmittoafewyearsofdiscipline.Butintheeducationofwomenthecultivationof
theunderstandingisalwayssubordinatetotheacquirementofsomecorporealaccomplishmentevenwhile
enervatedbyconfinementandfalsenotionsofmodesty,thebodyispreventedfromattainingthatgraceand
beautywhichrelaxedhalfformedlimbsneverexhibit.Besides,inyouththeirfacultiesarenotbrought
forwardbyemulationandhavingnoseriousscientificstudy,iftheyhavenaturalsagacityitisturnedtoo
soononlifeandmanners.Theydwelloneffects,andmodifications,withouttracingthembacktocausesand
complicatedrulestoadjustbehaviourareaweaksubstituteforsimpleprinciples.

Asaproofthateducationgivesthisappearanceofweaknesstofemales,wemayinstancetheexampleof
militarymen,whoare,likethem,sentintotheworldbeforetheirmindshavebeenstoredwithknowledgeor
fortifiedbyprinciples.Theconsequencesaresimilarsoldiersacquirealittlesuperficialknowledge,snatched
fromthemuddycurrentofconversation,and,fromcontinuallymixingwithsociety,theygain,whatistermed
aknowledgeoftheworldandthisacquaintancewithmannersandcustomshasfrequentlybeenconfounded
withaknowledgeofthehumanheart.Butcanthecrudefruitofcasualobservation,neverbroughttothetest
ofjudgment,formedbycomparingspeculationandexperience,deservesuchadistinction?Soldiers,aswell
aswomen,practicetheminorvirtueswithpunctiliouspoliteness.Whereisthenthesexualdifference,when
theeducationhasbeenthesameallthedifferencethatIcandiscern,arisesfromthesuperioradvantageof
libertywhichenablestheformertoseemoreoflife.

Itiswanderingfrommypresentsubject,perhaps,tomakeapoliticalremarkbutasitwasproduced
naturallybythetrainofmyreflections,Ishallnotpassitsilentlyover.

Standingarmiescanneverconsistofresolute,robustmentheymaybewelldisciplinedmachines,butthey
willseldomcontainmenundertheinfluenceofstrongpassionsorwithveryvigorousfaculties.Andasfor
anydepthofunderstanding,Iwillventuretoaffirm,thatitisasrarelytobefoundinthearmyasamongst
womenandthecause,Imaintain,isthesame.Itmaybefurtherobserved,thatofficersarealsoparticularly
attentivetotheirpersons,fondofdancing,crowdedrooms,adventures,andridicule.LiketheFAIRsex,the
businessoftheirlivesisgallantry.Theyweretaughttoplease,andtheyonlylivetoplease.Yettheydonot
losetheirrankinthedistinctionofsexes,fortheyarestillreckonedsuperiortowomen,thoughinwhattheir
superiorityconsists,beyondwhatIhavejustmentioned,itisdifficulttodiscover.

Thegreatmisfortuneisthis,thattheybothacquiremannersbeforemorals,andaknowledgeoflifebefore
theyhavefromreflection,anyacquaintancewiththegrandidealoutlineofhumannature.Theconsequence
isnaturalsatisfiedwithcommonnature,theybecomeapreytoprejudices,andtakingalltheiropinionson
credit,theyblindlysubmittoauthority.Sothatiftheyhaveanysense,itisakindofinstinctiveglance,that
catchesproportions,anddecideswithrespecttomannersbutfailswhenargumentsaretobepursuedbelow
thesurface,oropinionsanalyzed.

Maynotthesameremarkbeappliedtowomen?Nay,theargumentmaybecarriedstillfurther,fortheyare
boththrownoutofausefulstationbytheunnaturaldistinctionsestablishedincivilizedlife.Richesand
hereditaryhonourshavemadecyphersofwomentogiveconsequencetothenumericalfigureandidleness
hasproducedamixtureofgallantryanddespotisminsociety,whichleadstheverymenwhoaretheslavesof
theirmistresses,totyrannizeovertheirsisters,wives,anddaughters.Thisisonlykeepingtheminrankand
file,itistrue.Strengthenthefemalemindbyenlargingit,andtherewillbeanendtoblindobediencebut,as
blindobedienceiseversoughtforbypower,tyrantsandsensualistsareintherightwhentheyendeavourto
keepwomeninthedark,becausetheformeronlywantslaves,andthelatteraplaything.Thesensualist,
indeed,hasbeenthemostdangerousoftyrants,andwomenhavebeendupedbytheirlovers,asprincesby
theirministers,whilstdreamingthattheyreignedoverthem.

InowprincipallyalludetoRousseau,forhischaracterofSophiais,undoubtedly,acaptivatingone,thoughit
appearstomegrosslyunnaturalhowever,itisnotthesuperstructure,butthefoundationofhercharacter,the
principlesonwhichhereducationwasbuilt,thatImeantoattacknay,warmlyasIadmirethegeniusofthat
ablewriter,whoseopinionsIshalloftenhaveoccasiontocite,indignationalwaystakesplaceofadmiration,
andtherigidfrownofinsultedvirtueeffacesthesmileofcomplacency,whichhiseloquentperiodsarewont
toraise,whenIreadhisvoluptuousreveries.Isthistheman,who,inhisardourforvirtue,wouldbanishall
thesoftartsofpeace,andalmostcarryusbacktoSpartandiscipline?Isthisthemanwhodelightstopaint
theusefulstrugglesofpassion,thetriumphsofgooddispositions,andtheheroicflightswhichcarrythe
glowingsouloutofitself?Howarethesemightysentimentsloweredwhenhedescribestheprettyfootand
enticingairsofhislittlefavourite!But,forthepresent,Iwaivethesubject,and,insteadofseverely
reprehendingthetransienteffusionsofoverweeningsensibility,Ishallonlyobserve,thatwhoeverhascasta
benevolenteyeonsociety,mustoftenhavebeengratifiedbythesightofhumblemutuallove,notdignified
bysentiment,norstrengthenedbyaunioninintellectualpursuits.Thedomestictriflesofthedayhave
affordedmatterforcheerfulconverse,andinnocentcaresseshavesoftenedtoilswhichdidnotrequiregreat
exerciseofmind,orstretchofthought:yet,hasnotthesightofthismoderatefelicityexcitedmore
tendernessthanrespect?Anemotionsimilartowhatwefeelwhenchildrenareplaying,oranimalssporting,
whilstthecontemplationofthenoblestrugglesofsufferingmerithasraisedadmiration,andcarriedour
thoughtstothatworldwheresensationwillgiveplacetoreason.

Womenare,therefore,tobeconsideredeitherasmoralbeings,orsoweakthattheymustbeentirely
subjectedtothesuperiorfacultiesofmen.

Letusexaminethisquestion.Rousseaudeclares,thatawomanshouldnever,foramomentfeelherself
independent,thatsheshouldbegovernedbyfeartoexerciseherNATURALcunning,andmadeacoquetish
slaveinordertorenderheramorealluringobjectofdesire,aSWEETERcompaniontoman,wheneverhe
choosestorelaxhimself.Hecarriesthearguments,whichhepretendstodrawfromtheindicationsofnature,
stillfurther,andinsinuatesthattruthandfortitudethecornerstonesofallhumanvirtue,shallbecultivated
withcertainrestrictions,becausewithrespecttothefemalecharacter,obedienceisthegrandlessonwhich
oughttobeimpressedwithunrelentingrigour.

Whatnonsense!Whenwillagreatmanarisewithsufficientstrengthofmindtopuffawaythefumeswhich
prideandsensualityhavethusspreadoverthesubject!Ifwomenarebynatureinferiortomen,theirvirtues
mustbethesameinquality,ifnotindegree,orvirtueisarelativeideaconsequently,theirconductshouldbe
foundedonthesameprinciples,andhavethesameaim.
Connectedwithmanasdaughters,wives,andmothers,theirmoralcharactermaybeestimatedbytheir
manneroffulfillingthosesimpledutiesbuttheend,thegrandendoftheirexertionsshouldbetounfold
theirownfaculties,andacquirethedignityofconsciousvirtue.Theymaytrytorendertheirroadpleasant
butoughtnevertoforget,incommonwithman,thatlifeyieldsnotthefelicitywhichcansatisfyanimmortal
soul.Idonotmeantoinsinuate,thateithersexshouldbesolost,inabstractreflectionsordistantviews,asto
forgettheaffectionsanddutiesthatliebeforethem,andare,intruth,themeansappointedtoproducethe
fruitoflifeonthecontrary,Iwouldwarmlyrecommendthem,evenwhileIassert,thattheyaffordmost
satisfactionwhentheyareconsideredintheirtruesubordinatelight.

Probablytheprevailingopinion,thatwomanwascreatedforman,mayhavetakenitsrisefromMoses's
poeticalstoryyet,asveryfewitispresumed,whohavebestowedanyseriousthoughtonthesubject,ever
supposedthatEvewas,literallyspeaking,oneofAdam'sribs,thedeductionmustbeallowedtofalltothe
groundor,onlybesofaradmittedasitprovesthatman,fromtheremotestantiquity,founditconvenientto
exerthisstrengthtosubjugatehiscompanion,andhisinventiontoshowthatsheoughttohaveherneckbent
undertheyokebecausesheaswellasthebrutecreation,wascreatedtodohispleasure.

Letitnotbeconcluded,thatIwishtoinverttheorderofthingsIhavealreadygranted,that,fromthe
constitutionoftheirbodies,menseemtobedesignedbyProvidencetoattainagreaterdegreeofvirtue.I
speakcollectivelyofthewholesexbutIseenottheshadowofareasontoconcludethattheirvirtuesshould
differinrespecttotheirnature.Infact,howcanthey,ifvirtuehasonlyoneeternalstandard?Imust,
therefore,ifIreasonconsequentially,asstrenuouslymaintain,thattheyhavethesamesimpledirection,as
thatthereisaGod.

Itfollowsthen,thatcunningshouldnotbeopposedtowisdom,littlecarestogreatexertions,norinsipid
softness,varnishedoverwiththenameofgentleness,tothatfortitudewhichgrandviewsalonecaninspire.

Ishallbetold,thatwomanwouldthenlosemanyofherpeculiargraces,andtheopinionofawellknown
poetmightbequotedtorefutemyunqualifiedassertions.ForPopehassaid,inthenameofthewholemale
sex,

"Yetne'ersosureourpassionstocreate,
Aswhenshetouch'dthebrinkofallwehate."

Inwhatlightthissallyplacesmenandwomen,IshallleavetothejudicioustodeterminemeanwhileIshall
contentmyselfwithobserving,thatIcannotdiscoverwhy,unlesstheyaremortal,femalesshouldalwaysbe
degradedbybeingmadesubservienttoloveorlust.

Tospeakdisrespectfullyofloveis,Iknow,hightreasonagainstsentimentandfinefeelingsbutIwishto
speakthesimplelanguageoftruth,andrathertoaddresstheheadthantheheart.Toendeavourtoreasonlove
outoftheworld,wouldbetooutQuixoteCervantes,andequallyoffendagainstcommonsensebutan
endeavourtorestrainthistumultuouspassion,andtoprovethatitshouldnotbeallowedtodethronesuperior
powers,ortousurpthesceptrewhichtheunderstandingshouldevercoollywield,appearslesswild.

Youthistheseasonforloveinbothsexesbutinthosedaysofthoughtlessenjoyment,provisionshouldbe
madeforthemoreimportantyearsoflife,whenreflectiontakesplaceofsensation.ButRousseau,andmost
ofthemalewriterswhohavefollowedhissteps,havewarmlyinculcatedthatthewholetendencyoffemale
educationoughttobedirectedtoonepointtorenderthempleasing.

Letmereasonwiththesupportersofthisopinion,whohaveanyknowledgeofhumannature,dothey
imaginethatmarriagecaneradicatethehabitudeoflife?Thewomanwhohasonlybeentaughttoplease,
willsoonfindthathercharmsareobliquesunbeams,andthattheycannothavemucheffectonher
husband'sheartwhentheyareseeneveryday,whenthesummerispastandgone.Willshethenhave
sufficientnativeenergytolookintoherselfforcomfort,andcultivateherdormantfaculties?or,isitnotmore
rationaltoexpect,thatshewilltrytopleaseothermenand,intheemotionsraisedbytheexpectationofnew
conquests,endeavourtoforgetthemortificationherloveorpridehasreceived?Whenthehusbandceasesto
bealoverandthetimewillinevitablycome,herdesireofpleasingwillthengrowlanguid,orbecomea
springofbitternessandlove,perhaps,themostevanescentofallpassions,givesplacetojealousyorvanity.
Inowspeakofwomenwhoarerestrainedbyprincipleorprejudicesuchwomenthoughtheywouldshrink
fromanintriguewithrealabhorrence,yet,nevertheless,wishtobeconvincedbythehomageofgallantry,
thattheyarecruellyneglectedbytheirhusbandsor,daysandweeksarespentindreamingofthehappiness
enjoyedbycongenialsouls,tillthehealthisunderminedandthespiritsbrokenbydiscontent.Howthencan
thegreatartofpleasingbesuchanecessarystudy?itisonlyusefultoamistressthechastewife,andserious
mother,shouldonlyconsiderherpowertopleaseasthepolishofhervirtues,andtheaffectionofher
husbandasoneofthecomfortsthatrenderhertasklessdifficult,andherlifehappier.But,whethershebe
lovedorneglected,herfirstwishshouldbetomakeherselfrespectable,andnotrelyforallherhappinesson
abeingsubjecttolikeinfirmitieswithherself.

TheamiableDr.Gregoryfellintoasimilarerror.Irespecthisheartbutentirelydisapproveofhiscelebrated
LegacytohisDaughters.

Headvisesthemtocultivateafondnessfordress,becauseafondnessfordress,heasserts,isnaturaltothem.
IamunabletocomprehendwhateitherheorRousseaumean,whentheyfrequentlyusethisindefiniteterm.
Iftheytoldus,thatinapreexistentstatethesoulwasfondofdress,andbroughtthisinclinationwithitinto
anewbody,Ishouldlistentothemwithahalfsmile,asIoftendowhenIheararantaboutinnateelegance.
Butifheonlymeanttosaythattheexerciseofthefacultieswillproducethisfondness,Idenyit.Itisnot
naturalbutarises,likefalseambitioninmen,fromaloveofpower.

Dr.Gregorygoesmuchfurtherheactuallyrecommendsdissimulation,andadvisesaninnocentgirltogive
thelietoherfeelings,andnotdancewithspirit,whengaietyofheartwouldmakeherfeeteloquent,without
makinghergesturesimmodest.Inthenameoftruthandcommonsense,whyshouldnotonewoman
acknowledgethatshecantakemoreexercisethananother?or,inotherwords,thatshehasasound
constitutionandwhytodampinnocentvivacity,isshedarklytobetold,thatmenwilldrawconclusions
whichshelittlethinksof?Letthelibertinedrawwhatinferencehepleasesbut,Ihope,thatnosensible
motherwillrestrainthenaturalfranknessofyouth,byinstillingsuchindecentcautions.Outoftheabundance
oftheheartthemouthspeakethandawiserthanSolomonhathsaid,thattheheartshouldbemadeclean,
andnottrivialceremoniesobserved,whichitisnotverydifficulttofulfillwithscrupulousexactnesswhen
vicereignsintheheart.

Womenoughttoendeavourtopurifytheirheartsbutcantheydosowhentheiruncultivatedunderstandings
makethementirelydependentontheirsensesforemploymentandamusement,whennonoblepursuitsets
themabovethelittlevanitiesoftheday,orenablesthemtocurbthewildemotionsthatagitateareedover
whicheverypassingbreezehaspower?Togaintheaffectionsofavirtuousman,isaffectationnecessary?

Naturehasgivenwomanaweakerframethanmanbut,toensureherhusband'saffections,mustawife,who,
bytheexerciseofhermindandbody,whilstshewasdischargingthedutiesofadaughter,wife,andmother,
hasallowedherconstitutiontoretainitsnaturalstrength,andhernervesahealthytone,isshe,Isay,to
condescend,touseart,andfeignasicklydelicacy,inordertosecureherhusband'saffection?Weaknessmay
excitetenderness,andgratifythearrogantprideofmanbutthelordlycaressesofaprotectorwillnotgratify
anoblemindthatpantsforanddeservestoberespected.Fondnessisapoorsubstituteforfriendship!

Inaseraglio,Igrant,thatalltheseartsarenecessarytheepicuremusthavehispalatetickled,orhewillsink
intoapathybuthavewomensolittleambitionastobesatisfiedwithsuchacondition?Cantheysupinely
dreamlifeawayinthelapofpleasure,orinthelanguorofweariness,ratherthanasserttheirclaimtopursue
reasonablepleasures,andrenderthemselvesconspicuous,bypractisingthevirtueswhichdignifymankind?
Surelyshehasnotanimmortalsoulwhocanloiterlifeaway,merelyemployedtoadornherperson,thatshe
mayamusethelanguidhours,andsoftenthecaresofafellowcreaturewhoiswillingtobeenlivenedbyher
smilesandtricks,whentheseriousbusinessoflifeisover.

Besides,thewomanwhostrengthensherbodyandexerciseshermindwill,bymanagingherfamilyand
practisingvariousvirtues,becomethefriend,andnotthehumbledependentofherhusbandandifshe
deserveshisregardbypossessingsuchsubstantialqualities,shewillnotfinditnecessarytoconcealher
affection,nortopretendtoanunnaturalcoldnessofconstitutiontoexciteherhusband'spassions.Infact,if
wereverttohistory,weshallfindthatthewomenwhohavedistinguishedthemselveshaveneitherbeenthe
mostbeautifulnorthemostgentleoftheirsex.
Nature,ortospeakwithstrictproprietyGod,hasmadeallthingsrightbutmanhassoughthimoutmany
inventionstomarthework.InowalludetothatpartofDr.Gregory'streatise,whereheadvisesawifenever
toletherhusbandknowtheextentofhersensibilityoraffection.Voluptuousprecautionandasineffectualas
absurd.Love,fromitsverynature,mustbetransitory.Toseekforasecretthatwouldrenderitconstant,
wouldbeaswildasearchasforthephilosopher'sstone,orthegrandpanaceaandthediscoverywouldbe
equallyuseless,orratherpernicioustomankind.Themostholybandofsocietyisfriendship.Ithasbeenwell
said,byashrewdsatirist,"thatrareastrueloveis,truefriendshipisstillrarer."

Thisisanobvioustruth,andthecausenotlyingdeep,willnoteludeaslightglanceofinquiry.

Love,thecommonpassion,inwhichchanceandsensationtakeplaceofchoiceandreason,isinsome
degree,feltbythemassofmankindforitisnotnecessarytospeak,atpresent,oftheemotionsthatrise
aboveorsinkbelowlove.Thispassion,naturallyincreasedbysuspenseanddifficulties,drawsthemindout
ofitsaccustomedstate,andexaltstheaffectionsbutthesecurityofmarriage,allowingthefeverofloveto
subside,ahealthytemperatureisthoughtinsipid,onlybythosewhohavenotsufficientintellecttosubstitute
thecalmtendernessoffriendship,theconfidenceofrespect,insteadofblindadmiration,andthesensual
emotionsoffondness.

Thisis,mustbe,thecourseofnaturefriendshiporindifferenceinevitablysucceedslove.Andthis
constitutionseemsperfectlytoharmonizewiththesystemofgovernmentwhichprevailsinthemoralworld.
Passionsarespurstoaction,andopenthemindbuttheysinkintomereappetites,becomeapersonal
momentarygratification,whentheobjectisgained,andthesatisfiedmindrestsinenjoyment.Themanwho
hadsomevirtuewhilsthewasstrugglingforacrown,oftenbecomesavoluptuoustyrantwhenitgraceshis
browand,whentheloverisnotlostinthehusband,thedotardapreytochildishcaprices,andfond
jealousies,neglectstheseriousdutiesoflife,andthecaresseswhichshouldexciteconfidenceinhischildren
arelavishedontheovergrownchild,hiswife.

Inordertofulfilthedutiesoflife,andtobeabletopursuewithvigourthevariousemploymentswhichform
themoralcharacter,amasterandmistressofafamilyoughtnottocontinuetoloveeachotherwithpassion.I
meantosay,thattheyoughtnottoindulgethoseemotionswhichdisturbtheorderofsociety,andengrossthe
thoughtsthatshouldbeotherwiseemployed.Themindthathasneverbeenengrossedbyoneobjectwants
vigourifitcanlongbeso,itisweak.

Amistakeneducation,anarrow,uncultivatedmind,andmanysexualprejudices,tendtomakewomenmore
constantthanmenbut,forthepresent,Ishallnottouchonthisbranchofthesubject.Iwillgostillfurther,
andadvance,withoutdreamingofaparadox,thatanunhappymarriageisoftenveryadvantageoustoa
family,andthattheneglectedwifeis,ingeneral,thebestmother.Andthiswouldalmostalwaysbethe
consequence,ifthefemalemindwasmoreenlargedfor,itseemstobethecommondispensationof
Providence,thatwhatwegaininpresentenjoymentshouldbedeductedfromthetreasureoflife,experience
andthatwhenwearegatheringtheflowersofthedayandrevellinginpleasure,thesolidfruitoftoiland
wisdomshouldnotbecaughtatthesametime.Thewayliesbeforeus,wemustturntotherightorleftand
hewhowillpasslifeawayinboundingfromonepleasuretoanother,mustnotcomplainifheneither
acquireswisdomnorrespectabilityofcharacter.

Supposingforamoment,thatthesoulisnotimmortal,andthatmanwasonlycreatedforthepresentsceneI
thinkweshouldhavereasontocomplainthatlove,infantinefondness,evergrewinsipidandpalleduponthe
sense.Letuseat,drink,andlove,fortomorrowwedie,wouldbeinfactthelanguageofreason,themorality
oflifeandwhobutafoolwouldpartwitharealityforafleetingshadow?But,ifawedbyobservingthe
improvablepowersofthemind,wedisdaintoconfineourwishesorthoughtstosuchacomparativelymean
fieldofactionthatonlyappearsgrandandimportantasitisconnectedwithaboundlessprospectand
sublimehopeswhatnecessityisthereforfalsehoodinconduct,andwhymustthesacredmajestyoftruthbe
violatedtodetainadeceitfulgoodthatsapstheveryfoundationofvirtue?Whymustthefemalemindbe
taintedbycoquetishartstogratifythesensualist,andpreventlovefromsubsidingintofriendshipor
compassionatetenderness,whentherearenotqualitiesonwhichfriendshipcanbebuilt?Letthehonestheart
showitself,andREASONteachpassiontosubmittonecessityor,letthedignifiedpursuitofvirtueand
knowledgeraisethemindabovethoseemotionswhichratherimbitterthansweetenthecupoflife,when
theyarenotrestrainedwithinduebounds.
Idonotmeantoalludetotheromanticpassion,whichistheconcomitantofgenius.Whocanclipitswings?
Butthatgrandpassionnotproportionedtothepunyenjoymentsoflife,isonlytruetothesentiment,and
feedsonitself.Thepassionswhichhavebeencelebratedfortheirdurabilityhavealwaysbeenunfortunate.
Theyhaveacquiredstrengthbyabsenceandconstitutionalmelancholy.Thefancyhashoveredroundaform
ofbeautydimlyseenbutfamiliaritymighthaveturnedadmirationintodisgustor,atleast,into
indifference,andallowedtheimaginationleisuretostartfreshgame.Withperfectpropriety,accordingtothis
viewofthings,doesRousseaumakethemistressofhissoul,Eloisa,loveSt.Preux,whenlifewasfading
beforeherbutthisisnoproofoftheimmortalityofthepassion.

OfthesamecomplexionisDr.Gregory'sadvicerespectingdelicacyofsentiment,whichheadvisesawoman
nottoacquire,ifshehasdeterminedtomarry.Thisdetermination,however,perfectlyconsistentwithhis
formeradvice,hecallsINDELICATE,andearnestlypersuadeshisdaughterstoconcealit,thoughitmay
governtheirconduct:asifitwereindelicatetohavethecommonappetitesofhumannature.

Noblemorality!andconsistentwiththecautiousprudenceofalittlesoulthatcannotextenditsviewsbeyond
thepresentminutedivisionofexistence.Ifallthefacultiesofwoman'smindareonlytobecultivatedasthey
respectherdependenceonmanif,whensheobtainsahusbandshehasarrivedathergoal,andmeanly
proud,issatisfiedwithsuchapaltrycrown,lethergrovelcontentedly,scarcelyraisedbyheremployments
abovetheanimalkingdombut,ifsheisstrugglingfortheprizeofherhighcalling,lethercultivateher
understandingwithoutstoppingtoconsiderwhatcharacterthehusbandmayhavewhomsheisdestinedto
marry.Letheronlydetermine,withoutbeingtooanxiousaboutpresenthappiness,toacquirethequalities
thatennoblearationalbeing,andarough,ineleganthusbandmayshockhertastewithoutdestroyingher
peaceofmind.Shewillnotmodelhersoultosuitthefrailtiesofhercompanion,buttobearwiththem:his
charactermaybeatrial,butnotanimpedimenttovirtue.

IfDr.Gregoryconfinedhisremarktoromanticexpectationsofconstantloveandcongenialfeelings,he
shouldhaverecollected,thatexperiencewillbanishwhatadvicecannevermakeusceasetowishfor,when
theimaginationiskeptaliveattheexpenceofreason.

Iownitfrequentlyhappens,thatwomenwhohavefosteredaromanticunnaturaldelicacyoffeeling,waste
theirlivesinIMAGININGhowhappytheyshouldhavebeenwithahusbandwhocouldlovethemwitha
fervidincreasingaffectioneveryday,andallday.Buttheymightaswellpinemarriedassingle,andwould
notbeajotmoreunhappywithabadhusbandthanlongingforagoodone.Thatapropereducationor,to
speakwithmoreprecision,awellstoredmind,wouldenableawomantosupportasinglelifewithdignity,I
grantbutthatsheshouldavoidcultivatinghertaste,lestherhusbandshouldoccasionallyshockit,isquitting
asubstanceforashadow.Tosaythetruth,Idonotknowofwhatuseisanimprovedtaste,iftheindividual
benotrenderedmoreindependentofthecasualtiesoflifeifnewsourcesofenjoyment,onlydependenton
thesolitaryoperationsofthemind,arenotopened.Peopleoftaste,marriedorsingle,withoutdistinction,
willeverbedisgustedbyvariousthingsthattouchnotlessobservingminds.Onthisconclusiontheargument
mustnotbeallowedtohingebutinthewholesumofenjoymentistastetobedenominatedablessing?

Thequestionis,whetheritprocuresmostpainorpleasure?TheanswerwilldecidetheproprietyofDr.
Gregory'sadvice,andshowhowabsurdandtyrannicitisthustolaydownasystemofslaveryortoattempt
toeducatemoralbeingsbyanyotherrulesthanthosededucedfrompurereason,whichapplytothewhole
species.

Gentlenessofmanners,forbearance,andlongsuffering,aresuchamiablegodlikequalities,thatinsublime
poeticstrainstheDeityhasbeeninvestedwiththemand,perhaps,norepresentationofhisgoodnessso
stronglyfastensonthehumanaffectionsasthosethatrepresenthimabundantinmercyandwillingto
pardon.Gentleness,consideredinthispointofview,bearsonitsfrontallthecharacteristicsofgrandeur,
combinedwiththewinninggracesofcondescensionbutwhatadifferentaspectitassumeswhenitisthe
submissivedemeanourofdependence,thesupportofweaknessthatloves,becauseitwantsprotectionandis
forbearing,becauseitmustsilentlyendureinjuriessmilingunderthelashatwhichitdarenotsnarl.Abject
asthispictureappears,itistheportraitofanaccomplishedwoman,accordingtothereceivedopinionof
femaleexcellence,separatedbyspeciousreasonersfromhumanexcellence.Or,they(VideRousseau,and
Swedenborg)kindlyrestoretherib,andmakeonemoralbeingofamanandwomannotforgettingtogive
herallthe"submissivecharms."
Howwomenaretoexistinthatstatewherethereistobeneithermarryingnorgivinginmarriage,wearenot
told.Forthoughmoralistshaveagreed,thatthetenoroflifeseemstoprovethatMANispreparedbyvarious
circumstancesforafuturestate,theyconstantlyconcurinadvisingWOMANonlytoprovideforthepresent.
Gentleness,docility,andaspaniellikeaffectionare,onthisground,consistentlyrecommendedasthe
cardinalvirtuesofthesexand,disregardingthearbitraryeconomyofnature,onewriterhasdeclaredthatit
ismasculineforawomantobemelancholy.Shewascreatedtobethetoyofman,hisrattle,anditmust
jingleinhisears,whenever,dismissingreason,hechoosestobeamused.

Torecommendgentleness,indeed,onabroadbasisisstrictlyphilosophical.Afrailbeingshouldlabourtobe
gentle.Butwhenforbearanceconfoundsrightandwrong,itceasestobeavirtueand,howeverconvenientit
maybefoundinacompanion,thatcompanionwilleverbeconsideredasaninferior,andonlyinspireavapid
tenderness,whicheasilydegeneratesintocontempt.Still,ifadvicecouldreallymakeabeinggentle,whose
naturaldispositionadmittednotofsuchafinepolish,somethingtowardtheadvancementoforderwouldbe
attainedbutif,asmightquicklybedemonstrated,onlyaffectationbeproducedbythisindiscriminate
counsel,whichthrowsastumblingblockinthewayofgradualimprovement,andtruemeliorationoftemper,
thesexisnotmuchbenefitedbysacrificingsolidvirtuestotheattainmentofsuperficialgraces,thoughfora
fewyearstheymayprocuretheindividual'sregalsway.

Asaphilosopher,Ireadwithindignationtheplausibleepithetswhichmenusetosoftentheirinsultsand,as
amoralist,Iaskwhatismeantbysuchheterogeneousassociations,asfairdefects,amiableweaknesses,etc.?
Ifthereisbutonecriterionofmorals,butonearchetypeforman,womenappeartobesuspendedbydestiny,
accordingtothevulgartaleofMahomet'scoffintheyhaveneithertheunerringinstinctofbrutes,norare
allowedtofixtheeyeofreasononaperfectmodel.Theyweremadetobeloved,andmustnotaimat
respect,lesttheyshouldbehuntedoutofsocietyasmasculine.

Buttoviewthesubjectinanotherpointofview.Dopassiveindolentwomenmakethebestwives?Confining
ourdiscussiontothepresentmomentofexistence,letusseehowsuchweakcreaturesperformtheirpart?Do
thewomenwho,bytheattainmentofafewsuperficialaccomplishments,havestrengthenedtheprevailing
prejudice,merelycontributetothehappinessoftheirhusbands?Dotheydisplaytheircharmsmerelyto
amusethem?Andhavewomen,whohaveearlyimbibednotionsofpassiveobedience,sufficientcharacterto
manageafamilyoreducatechildren?Sofarfromit,that,aftersurveyingthehistoryofwoman,Icannothelp
agreeingwiththeseverestsatirist,consideringthesexastheweakestaswellasthemostoppressedhalfof
thespecies.Whatdoeshistorydisclosebutmarksofinferiority,andhowfewwomenhaveemancipated
themselvesfromthegallingyokeofsovereignman?Sofew,thattheexceptionsremindmeofaningenious
conjecturerespectingNewton:thathewasprobablyabeingofasuperiororder,accidentallycagedina
humanbody.InthesamestyleIhavebeenledtoimaginethatthefewextraordinarywomenwhohaverushed
ineccentricaldirectionsoutoftheorbitprescribedtotheirsex,wereMALEspirits,confinedbymistakeina
femaleframe.Butifitbenotphilosophicaltothinkofsexwhenthesoulismentioned,theinferioritymust
dependontheorgansortheheavenlyfire,whichistofermenttheclay,isnotgiveninequalportions.

Butavoiding,asIhavehithertodone,anydirectcomparisonofthetwosexescollectively,orfrankly
acknowledgingtheinferiorityofwoman,accordingtothepresentappearanceofthings,Ishallonlyinsist,
thatmenhaveincreasedthatinferioritytillwomenarealmostsunkbelowthestandardofrationalcreatures.
Lettheirfacultieshaveroomtounfold,andtheirvirtuestogainstrength,andthendeterminewherethe
wholesexmuststandintheintellectualscale.Yet,letitberemembered,thatforasmallnumberof
distinguishedwomenIdonotaskaplace.

Itisdifficultforuspurblindmortalstosaytowhatheighthumandiscoveriesandimprovementsmayarrive,
whenthegloomofdespotismsubsides,whichmakesusstumbleateverystepbut,whenmoralityshallbe
settledonamoresolidbasis,then,withoutbeinggiftedwithapropheticspirit,Iwillventuretopredict,that
womanwillbeeitherthefriendorslaveofman.Weshallnot,asatpresent,doubtwhethersheisamoral
agent,orthelinkwhichunitesmanwithbrutes.But,shoulditthenappear,thatlikethebrutestheywere
principallycreatedfortheuseofman,hewillletthempatientlybitethebridle,andnotmockthemwith
emptypraiseor,shouldtheirrationalitybeproved,hewillnotimpedetheirimprovementmerelytogratify
hissensualappetites.Hewillnotwithallthegracesofrhetoric,advisethemtosubmitimplicitlytheir
understandingstotheguidanceofman.Hewillnot,whenhetreatsoftheeducationofwomen,assert,that
theyoughtnevertohavethefreeuseofreason,norwouldherecommendcunninganddissimulationto
beingswhoareacquiring,inlikemannerashimself,thevirtuesofhumanity.
Surelytherecanbebutoneruleofright,ifmoralityhasaneternalfoundation,andwhoeversacrificesvirtue,
strictlysocalled,topresentconvenience,orwhoseDUTYitistoactinsuchamanner,livesonlyforthe
passingday,andcannotbeanaccountablecreature.

Thepoetthenshouldhavedroppedhissneerwhenhesays,

"Ifweakwomengoastray,
Thestarsaremoreinfaultthanthey."

Forthattheyareboundbytheadamantinechainofdestinyismostcertain,ifitbeprovedthattheyarenever
toexercisetheirownreason,nevertobeindependent,nevertoriseaboveopinion,ortofeelthedignityofa
rationalwillthatonlybowstoGod,andoftenforgetsthattheuniversecontainsanybeingbutitself,andthe
modelofperfectiontowhichitsardentgazeisturned,toadoreattributesthat,softenedintovirtues,maybe
imitatedinkind,thoughthedegreeoverwhelmstheenrapturedmind.

If,Isay,forIwouldnotimpressbydeclamationwhenreasonoffershersoberlight,iftheyarereallycapable
ofactinglikerationalcreatures,letthemnotbetreatedlikeslavesor,likethebruteswhoaredependenton
thereasonofman,whentheyassociatewithhimbutcultivatetheirminds,givethemthesalutary,sublime
curbofprinciple,andletthemattainconsciousdignitybyfeelingthemselvesonlydependentonGod.Teach
them,incommonwithman,tosubmittonecessity,insteadofgiving,torenderthemmorepleasing,asexto
morals.

Further,shouldexperienceprovethattheycannotattainthesamedegreeofstrengthofmind,perseverance
andfortitude,lettheirvirtuesbethesameinkind,thoughtheymayvainlystruggleforthesamedegreeand
thesuperiorityofmanwillbeequallyclear,ifnotclearerandtruth,asitisasimpleprinciple,whichadmits
ofnomodification,wouldbecommontoboth.Nay,theorderofsociety,asitisatpresentregulated,would
notbeinverted,forwomanwouldthenonlyhavetherankthatreasonassignedher,andartscouldnotbe
practisedtobringthebalanceeven,muchlesstoturnit.

ThesemaybetermedUtopiandreams.ThankstothatBeingwhoimpressedthemonmysoul,andgaveme
sufficientstrengthofmindtodaretoexertmyownreason,tillbecomingdependentonlyonhimforthe
supportofmyvirtue,Iviewwithindignation,themistakennotionsthatenslavemysex.

Ilovemanasmyfellowbuthissceptrerealorusurped,extendsnottome,unlessthereasonofanindividual
demandsmyhomageandeventhenthesubmissionistoreason,andnottoman.Infact,theconductofan
accountablebeingmustberegulatedbytheoperationsofitsownreasonoronwhatfoundationreststhe
throneofGod?

Itappearstomenecessarytodwellontheseobvioustruths,becausefemaleshavebeeninsulted,asitwere
andwhiletheyhavebeenstrippedofthevirtuesthatshouldclothehumanity,theyhavebeendeckedwith
artificialgraces,thatenablethemtoexerciseashortlivedtyranny.Love,intheirbosoms,takingplaceof
everynoblerpassion,theirsoleambitionistobefair,toraiseemotioninsteadofinspiringrespectandthis
ignobledesire,liketheservilityinabsolutemonarchies,destroysallstrengthofcharacter.Libertyisthe
motherofvirtue,andifwomenare,bytheirveryconstitution,slaves,andnotallowedtobreathethesharp
invigoratingairoffreedom,theymusteverlanguishlikeexotics,andbereckonedbeautifulflawsinnature
letitalsoberemembered,thattheyaretheonlyflaw.

Astotheargumentrespectingthesubjectioninwhichthesexhaseverbeenheld,itretortsonman.The
manyhavealwaysbeenenthralledbythefewand,monsterswhohavescarcelyshownanydiscernmentof
humanexcellence,havetyrannizedoverthousandsoftheirfellowcreatures.Whyhavemenofsuperior
endowmentssubmittedtosuchdegradation?For,isitnotuniversallyacknowledgedthatkings,viewed
collectively,haveeverbeeninferior,inabilitiesandvirtue,tothesamenumberofmentakenfromthe
commonmassofmankindyet,havetheynot,andaretheynotstilltreatedwithadegreeofreverence,that
isaninsulttoreason?ChinaisnottheonlycountrywherealivingmanhasbeenmadeaGod.MENhave
submittedtosuperiorstrength,toenjoywithimpunitythepleasureofthemomentWOMENhaveonly
donethesame,andthereforetillitisprovedthatthecourtier,whoservilelyresignsthebirthrightofaman,is
notamoralagent,itcannotbedemonstratedthatwomanisessentiallyinferiortoman,becauseshehas
alwaysbeensubjugated.
Brutalforcehashithertogovernedtheworld,andthatthescienceofpoliticsisinitsinfancy,isevidentfrom
philosophersscruplingtogivetheknowledgemostusefultomanthatdeterminatedistinction.

Ishallnotpursuethisargumentanyfurtherthantoestablishanobviousinference,thatassoundpolitics
diffuseliberty,mankind,includingwoman,willbecomemorewiseandvirtuous.

CHAPTER3.

THESAMESUBJECTCONTINUED.

Bodilystrengthfrombeingthedistinctionofheroesisnowsunkintosuchunmeritedcontempt,thatmenas
wellaswomen,seemtothinkitunnecessary:thelatter,asittakesfromtheirfemininegraces,andfromthat
lovelyweakness,thesourceoftheirunduepowerandtheformer,becauseitappearsinimicalwiththe
characterofagentleman.

Thattheyhavebothbydepartingfromoneextremerunintoanother,mayeasilybeprovedbutitfirstmay
bepropertoobserve,thatavulgarerrorhasobtainedadegreeofcredit,whichhasgivenforcetoafalse
conclusion,inwhichaneffecthasbeenmistakenforacause.

Peopleofgeniushave,veryfrequently,impairedtheirconstitutionsbystudy,orcarelessinattentiontotheir
health,andtheviolenceoftheirpassionsbearingaproportiontothevigouroftheirintellects,thesword's
destroyingthescabbardhasbecomealmostproverbial,andsuperficialobservershaveinferredfromthence,
thatmenofgeniushavecommonlyweak,ortouseamorefashionablephrase,delicateconstitutions.Yetthe
contrary,Ibelieve,willappeartobethefactfor,ondiligentinquiry,Ifindthatstrengthofmindhas,inmost
cases,beenaccompaniedbysuperiorstrengthofbody,naturalsoundnessofconstitution,notthatrobusttone
ofnervesandvigourofmuscles,whicharisefrombodilylabour,whenthemindisquiescent,oronlydirects
thehands.

Dr.Priestleyhasremarked,intheprefacetohisbiographicalchart,thatthemajorityofgreatmenhavelived
beyondfortyfive.And,consideringthethoughtlessmannerinwhichtheylavishedtheirstrength,when
investigatingafavouritescience,theyhavewastedthelampoflife,forgetfulofthemidnighthouror,when,
lostinpoeticdreams,fancyhaspeopledthescene,andthesoulhasbeendisturbed,tillitshookthe
constitution,bythepassionsthatmeditationhadraisedwhoseobjects,thebaselessfabricofavision,faded
beforetheexhaustedeye,theymusthavehadironframes.Shakespearenevergraspedtheairydaggerwitha
nervelesshand,nordidMiltontremblewhenheledSatanfarfromtheconfinesofhisdrearyprison.These
werenottheravingsofimbecility,thesicklyeffusionsofdistemperedbrainsbuttheexuberanceoffancy,
that"inafinephrenzy"wandering,wasnotcontinuallyremindedofitsmaterialshackles.

Iamaware,thatthisargumentwouldcarrymefurtherthanitmaybesupposedIwishtogobutIfollow
truth,andstilladheringtomyfirstposition,Iwillallowthatbodilystrengthseemstogivemananatural
superiorityoverwomanandthisistheonlysolidbasisonwhichthesuperiorityofthesexcanbebuilt.ButI
stillinsist,thatnotonlythevirtue,buttheKNOWLEDGEofthetwosexesshouldbethesameinnature,if
notindegree,andthatwomen,considerednotonlyasmoral,butrationalcreatures,oughttoendeavourto
acquirehumanvirtues(orperfections)bytheSAMEmeansasmen,insteadofbeingeducatedlikeafanciful
kindofHALFbeing,oneofRousseau'swildchimeras.

But,ifstrengthofbodybe,withsomeshowofreason,theboastofmen,whyarewomensoinfatuatedasto
beproudofadefect?Rousseauhasfurnishedthemwithaplausibleexcuse,whichcouldonlyhaveoccurred
toaman,whoseimaginationhadbeenallowedtorunwild,andrefineontheimpressionsmadebyexquisite
senses,thattheymight,forsoothhaveapretextforyieldingtoanaturalappetitewithoutviolatingaromantic
speciesofmodesty,whichgratifiestheprideandlibertinismofman.

Womendeludedbythesesentiments,sometimesboastoftheirweakness,cunninglyobtainingpowerby
playingontheWEAKNESSofmenandtheymaywellgloryintheirillicitsway,for,likeTurkishbashaws,
theyhavemorerealpowerthantheirmasters:butvirtueissacrificedtotemporarygratifications,andthe
respectabilityoflifetothetriumphofanhour.
Women,aswellasdespots,havenow,perhaps,morepowerthantheywouldhave,iftheworld,dividedand
subdividedintokingdomsandfamilies,wasgovernedbylawsdeducedfromtheexerciseofreasonbutin
obtainingit,tocarryonthecomparison,theircharacterisdegraded,andlicentiousnessspreadthroughthe
wholeaggregateofsociety.Themanybecomepedestaltothefew.I,thereforewillventuretoassert,thattill
womenaremorerationallyeducated,theprogressofhumanvirtueandimprovementinknowledgemust
receivecontinualchecks.Andifitbegranted,thatwomanwasnotcreatedmerelytogratifytheappetiteof
man,nortobetheupperservant,whoprovideshismealsandtakescareofhislinen,itmustfollow,thatthe
firstcareofthosemothersorfathers,whoreallyattendtotheeducationoffemales,shouldbe,ifnotto
strengthenthebody,atleast,nottodestroytheconstitutionbymistakennotionsofbeautyandfemale
excellencenorshouldgirlseverbeallowedtoimbibetheperniciousnotionthatadefectcan,byany
chemicalprocessofreasoningbecomeanexcellence.Inthisrespect,Iamhappytofind,thattheauthorof
oneofthemostinstructivebooks,thatourcountryhasproducedforchildren,coincideswithmeinopinionI
shallquotehispertinentremarkstogivetheforceofhisrespectableauthoritytoreason.*

(*Footnote.Arespectableoldmangivesthefollowingsensibleaccountofthemethodhepursuedwhen
educatinghisdaughter."Iendeavouredtogivebothtohermindandbodyadegreeofvigour,whichis
seldomfoundinthefemalesex.Assoonasshewassufficientlyadvancedinstrengthtobecapableofthe
lighterlaboursofhusbandryandgardening,Iemployedherasmyconstantcompanion.Selene,forthatwas
hername,soonacquiredadexterityinalltheserusticemploymentswhichIconsideredwithequalpleasure
andadmiration.Ifwomenareingeneralfeeblebothinbodyandmind,itariseslessfromnaturethanfrom
education.Weencourageaviciousindolenceandinactivity,whichwefalselycalldelicacyinsteadof
hardeningtheirmindsbythesevererprinciplesofreasonandphilosophy,webreedthemtouselessarts,
whichterminateinvanityandsensuality.InmostofthecountrieswhichIhadvisited,theyaretaughtnothing
ofanhighernaturethanafewmodulationsofthevoice,oruselessposturesofthebodytheirtimeis
consumedinslothortrifles,andtriflesbecometheonlypursuitscapableofinterestingthem.Weseemto
forget,thatitisuponthequalitiesofthefemalesex,thatourowndomesticcomfortsandtheeducationofour
childrenmustdepend.Andwhatarethecomfortsortheeducationwhicharaceofbeingscorruptedfrom
theirinfancy,andunacquaintedwithallthedutiesoflife,arefittedtobestow?Totouchamusicalinstrument
withuselessskill,toexhibittheirnaturaloraffectedgraces,totheeyesofindolentanddebauchedyoung
men,whodissipatetheirhusbands'patrimonyinriotousandunnecessaryexpenses:thesearetheonlyarts
cultivatedbywomeninmostofthepolishednationsIhadseen.Andtheconsequencesareuniformlysuchas
maybeexpectedtoproceedfromsuchpollutedsources,privatemisery,andpublicservitude.

"But,Selene'seducationwasregulatedbydifferentviews,andconducteduponsevererprinciplesifthatcan
becalledseveritywhichopensthemindtoasenseofmoralandreligiousduties,andmosteffectuallyarmsit
againsttheinevitableevilsoflife."Mr.Day's"SandfordandMerton,"Volume3.)

Butshoulditbeprovedthatwomanisnaturallyweakerthanman,fromwhencedoesitfollowthatitis
naturalforhertolabourtobecomestillweakerthannatureintendedhertobe?Argumentsofthiscastarean
insulttocommonsense,andsavourofpassion.TheDIVINERIGHTofhusbands,likethedivinerightof
kings,may,itistobehoped,inthisenlightenedage,becontestedwithoutdanger,andthoughconviction
maynotsilencemanyboisterousdisputants,yet,whenanyprevailingprejudiceisattacked,thewisewill
consider,andleavethenarrowmindedtorailwiththoughtlessvehemenceatinnovation.

Themother,whowishestogivetruedignityofcharactertoherdaughter,must,regardlessofthesneersof
ignorance,proceedonaplandiametricallyoppositetothatwhichRousseauhasrecommendedwithallthe
deludingcharmsofeloquenceandphilosophicalsophistry:forhiseloquencerendersabsurditiesplausible,
andhisdogmaticconclusionspuzzle,withoutconvincingthosewhohavenotabilitytorefutethem.

Throughoutthewholeanimalkingdomeveryyoungcreaturerequiresalmostcontinualexercise,andthe
infancyofchildren,conformabletothisintimation,shouldbepassedinharmlessgambols,thatexercisethe
feetandhands,withoutrequiringveryminutedirectionfromthehead,ortheconstantattentionofanurse.In
fact,thecarenecessaryforselfpreservationisthefirstnaturalexerciseoftheunderstanding,aslittle
inventionstoamusethepresentmomentunfoldtheimagination.Butthesewisedesignsofnatureare
counteractedbymistakenfondnessorblindzeal.Thechildisnotleftamomenttoitsowndirection,
particularlyagirl,andthusrendereddependentdependenceiscallednatural.
Topreservepersonalbeauty,woman'sglory!thelimbsandfacultiesarecrampedwithworsethanChinese
bands,andthesedentarylifewhichtheyarecondemnedtolive,whilstboysfrolicintheopenair,weakens
themusclesandrelaxesthenerves.AsforRousseau'sremarks,whichhavesincebeenechoedbyseveral
writers,thattheyhavenaturally,thatisfromtheirbirth,independentofeducation,afondnessfordolls,
dressing,andtalking,theyaresopuerileasnottomeritaseriousrefutation.Thatagirl,condemnedtositfor
hourstogetherlisteningtotheidlechatofweaknursesortoattendathermother'stoilet,willendeavourto
jointheconversation,is,indeedverynaturalandthatshewillimitatehermotheroraunts,andamuseherself
byadorningherlifelessdoll,astheydoindressingher,poorinnocentbabe!isundoubtedlyamostnatural
consequence.Formenofthegreatestabilitieshaveseldomhadsufficientstrengthtoriseabovethe
surroundingatmosphereand,ifthepageofgeniushasalwaysbeenblurredbytheprejudicesoftheage,
someallowanceshouldbemadeforasex,who,likekings,alwaysseethingsthroughafalsemedium.

Inthismannermaythefondnessfordress,conspicuousinwomen,beeasilyaccountedfor,without
supposingittheresultofadesiretopleasethesexonwhichtheyaredependent.Theabsurdity,inshort,of
supposingthatagirlisnaturallyacoquette,andthatadesireconnectedwiththeimpulseofnatureto
propagatethespecies,shouldappearevenbeforeanimpropereducationhas,byheatingtheimagination,
calleditforthprematurely,issounphilosophical,thatsuchasagaciousobserverasRousseauwouldnothave
adoptedit,ifhehadnotbeenaccustomedtomakereasongivewaytohisdesireofsingularity,andtruthtoa
favouriteparadox.

Yetthustogiveasextomindwasnotveryconsistentwiththeprinciplesofamanwhoarguedsowarmly,
andsowell,fortheimmortalityofthesoul.Butwhataweakbarrieristruthwhenitstandsinthewayofan
hypothesis!Rousseaurespectedalmostadoredvirtueandyetallowedhimselftolovewithsensual
fondness.Hisimaginationconstantlypreparedinflammablefuelforhisinflammablesensesbut,inorderto
reconcilehisrespectforselfdenial,fortitudeandthoseheroicvirtues,whichamindlikehiscouldnotcoolly
admire,helabourstoinvertthelawofnature,andbroachesadoctrinepregnantwithmischief,and
derogatorytothecharacterofsupremewisdom.

Hisridiculousstories,whichtendtoprovethatgirlsareNATURALLYattentivetotheirpersons,without
layinganystressondailyexample,arebelowcontempt.Andthatalittlemissshouldhavesuchacorrect
tasteastoneglectthepleasingamusementofmakingO's,merelybecausesheperceivedthatitwasan
ungracefulattitude,shouldbeselectedwiththeanecdotesofthelearnedpig.*

(*Footnote."Ionceknewayoungpersonwholearnedtowritebeforeshelearnedtoread,andbegantowrite
withherneedlebeforeshecoulduseapen.Atfirstindeed,shetookitintoherheadtomakenootherletter
thantheO:thislettershewasconstantlymakingofallsizes,andalwaysthewrongway.Unluckilyoneday,
asshewasintentonthisemployment,shehappenedtoseeherselfinthelookingglasswhen,takingadislike
totheconstrainedattitudeinwhichshesatwhilewriting,shethrewawayherpen,likeanotherPallas,and
determinedagainstmakingtheOanymore.Herbrotherwasalsoequallyaversetowriting:itwasthe
confinement,however,andnottheconstrainedattitude,thatmostdisgustedhim."Rousseau's"Emilius.")

Ihave,probably,hadanopportunityofobservingmoregirlsintheirinfancythanJ.J.Rousseau.Ican
recollectmyownfeelings,andIhavelookedsteadilyaroundmeyet,sofarfromcoincidingwithhimin
opinionrespectingthefirstdawnofthefemalecharacter,Iwillventuretoaffirm,thatagirl,whosespirits
havenotbeendampedbyinactivity,orinnocencetaintedbyfalseshame,willalwaysbearomp,andthedoll
willneverexciteattentionunlessconfinementallowshernoalternative.Girlsandboys,inshort,wouldplay
harmlesstogether,ifthedistinctionofsexwasnotinculcatedlongbeforenaturemakesanydifference.Iwill,
gofurther,andaffirm,asanindisputablefact,thatmostofthewomen,inthecircleofmyobservation,who
haveactedlikerationalcreatures,orshownanyvigourofintellect,haveaccidentallybeenallowedtorun
wild,assomeoftheelegantformersofthefairsexwouldinsinuate.

Thebanefulconsequenceswhichflowfrominattentiontohealthduringinfancy,andyouth,extendfurther
thanissupposed,dependenceofbodynaturallyproducesdependenceofmindandhowcanshebeagood
wifeormother,thegreaterpartofwhosetimeisemployedtoguardagainstorenduresicknessnorcanitbe
expected,thatawomanwillresolutelyendeavourtostrengthenherconstitutionandabstainfromenervating
indulgences,ifartificialnotionsofbeauty,andfalsedescriptionsofsensibility,havebeenearlyentangled
withhermotivesofaction.Mostmenaresometimesobligedtobearwithbodilyinconveniences,andto
endure,occasionally,theinclemencyoftheelementsbutgenteelwomenare,literallyspeaking,slavesto
theirbodies,andgloryintheirsubjection.

Ionceknewaweakwomanoffashion,whowasmorethancommonlyproudofherdelicacyandsensibility.
Shethoughtadistinguishingtasteandpunyappetitetheheightofallhumanperfection,andacted
accordingly.Ihaveseenthisweaksophisticatedbeingneglectallthedutiesoflife,yetreclinewithself
complacencyonasofa,andboastofherwantofappetiteasaproofofdelicacythatextendedto,or,perhaps,
arosefrom,herexquisitesensibility:foritisdifficulttorenderintelligiblesuchridiculousjargon.Yet,atthe
moment,Ihaveseenherinsultaworthyoldgentlewoman,whomunexpectedmisfortuneshadmade
dependentonherostentatiousbounty,andwho,inbetterdays,hadclaimsonhergratitude.Isitpossiblethat
ahumancreatureshouldhavebecomesuchaweakanddepravedbeing,if,liketheSybarites,dissolvedin
luxury,everythinglikevirtuehadnotbeenwornaway,orneverimpressedbyprecept,apoorsubstituteitis
true,forcultivationofmind,thoughitservesasafenceagainstvice?

SuchawomanisnotamoreirrationalmonsterthansomeoftheRomanemperors,whoweredepravedby
lawlesspower.Yet,sincekingshavebeenmoreundertherestraintoflaw,andthecurb,howeverweak,of
honour,therecordsofhistoryarenotfilledwithsuchunnaturalinstancesoffollyandcruelty,nordoesthe
despotismthatkillsvirtueandgeniusinthebud,hoveroverEuropewiththatdestructiveblastwhich
desolatesTurkey,andrendersthemen,aswellasthesoilunfruitful.

Womenareeverywhereinthisdeplorablestatefor,inordertopreservetheirinnocence,asignoranceis
courteouslytermed,truthishiddenfromthem,andtheyaremadetoassumeanartificialcharacterbefore
theirfacultieshaveacquiredanystrength.Taughtfromtheirinfancy,thatbeautyiswoman'ssceptre,the
mindshapesitselftothebody,and,roamingrounditsgiltcage,onlyseekstoadornitsprison.Menhave
variousemploymentsandpursuitswhichengagetheirattention,andgiveacharactertotheopeningmind
butwomen,confinedtoone,andhavingtheirthoughtsconstantlydirectedtothemostinsignificantpartof
themselves,seldomextendtheirviewsbeyondthetriumphofthehour.Butwastheirunderstandingonce
emancipatedfromtheslaverytowhichtheprideandsensualityofmanandtheirshortsighteddesire,like
thatofdominionintyrants,ofpresentsway,hassubjectedthem,weshouldprobablyreadoftheir
weaknesseswithsurprise.Imustbeallowedtopursuetheargumentalittlefarther.

Perhaps,iftheexistenceofanevilbeingwasallowed,who,intheallegoricallanguageofscripture,went
aboutseekingwhomheshoulddevour,hecouldnotmoreeffectuallydegradethehumancharacterthanby
givingamanabsolutepower.

Thisargumentbranchesintovariousramifications.Birth,riches,andeveryintrinsicadvantagethatexalta
manabovehisfellows,withoutanymentalexertion,sinkhiminrealitybelowthem.Inproportiontohis
weakness,heisplayeduponbydesigningmen,tillthebloatedmonsterhaslostalltracesofhumanity.And
thattribesofmen,likeflocksofsheep,shouldquietlyfollowsuchaleader,isasolecismthatonlyadesireof
presentenjoymentandnarrownessofunderstandingcansolve.Educatedinslavishdependence,and
enervatedbyluxuryandsloth,whereshallwefindmenwhowillstandforthtoasserttherightsofmanor
claimtheprivilegeofmoralbeings,whoshouldhavebutoneroadtoexcellence?Slaverytomonarchsand
ministers,whichtheworldwillbelonginfreeingitselffrom,andwhosedeadlygraspstopstheprogressof
thehumanmind,isnotyetabolished.

Letnotmenthenintheprideofpower,usethesameargumentsthattyrannickingsandvenalministershave
used,andfallaciouslyassert,thatwomanoughttobesubjectedbecauseshehasalwaysbeenso.But,when
man,governedbyreasonablelaws,enjoyshisnaturalfreedom,lethimdespisewoman,ifshedonotshareit
withhimand,tillthatgloriousperiodarrives,indescantingonthefollyofthesex,lethimnotoverlookhis
own.

Women,itistrue,obtainingpowerbyunjustmeans,bypractisingorfosteringvice,evidentlylosetherank
whichreasonwouldassignthem,andtheybecomeeitherabjectslavesorcapricioustyrants.Theyloseall
simplicity,alldignityofmind,inacquiringpower,andactasmenareobservedtoactwhentheyhavebeen
exaltedbythesamemeans.

Itistimetoeffectarevolutioninfemalemanners,timetorestoretothemtheirlostdignity,andmakethem,
asapartofthehumanspecies,labourbyreformingthemselvestoreformtheworld.Itistimetoseparate
unchangeablemoralsfromlocalmanners.Ifmenbedemigods,whyletusservethem!Andifthedignityof
thefemalesoulbeasdisputableasthatofanimals,iftheirreasondoesnotaffordsufficientlighttodirect
theirconductwhilstunerringinstinctisdenied,theyaresurelyofallcreaturesthemostmiserableand,bent
beneaththeironhandofdestiny,mustsubmittobeaFAIRDEFECTincreation.Buttojustifythewaysof
providencerespectingthem,bypointingoutsomeirrefragablereasonforthusmakingsuchalargeportionof
mankindaccountableandnotaccountable,wouldpuzzlethesubtlestcasuist.

TheonlysolidfoundationformoralityappearstobethecharacteroftheSupremeBeingtheharmonyof
whicharisesfromabalanceofattributesand,tospeakwithreverence,oneattributeseemstoimplythe
NECESSITYofanother.Hemustbejust,becauseheiswise,hemustbegood,becauseheisomnipotent.
For,toexaltoneattributeattheexpenseofanotherequallynobleandnecessary,bearsthestampofthe
warpedreasonofman,thehomageofpassion.Man,accustomedtobowdowntopowerinhissavagestate,
canseldomdivesthimselfofthisbarbarousprejudiceevenwhencivilizationdetermineshowmuchsuperior
mentalistobodilystrengthandhisreasoniscloudedbythesecrudeopinions,evenwhenhethinksofthe
Deity.Hisomnipotenceismadetoswallowup,orpresideoverhisotherattributes,andthosemortalsare
supposedtolimithispowerirreverently,whothinkthatitmustberegulatedbyhiswisdom.

Idisclaimthatspeciesofhumilitywhich,afterinvestigatingnature,stopsattheauthor.Thehighandlofty
One,whoinhabitetheternity,doubtlesspossessesmanyattributesofwhichwecanformnoconceptionbut
reasontellsmethattheycannotclashwiththoseIadore,andIamcompelledtolistentohervoice.

Itseemsnaturalformantosearchforexcellence,andeithertotraceitintheobjectthatheworships,or
blindlytoinvestitwithperfectionasagarment.Butwhatgoodeffectcanthelattermodeofworshiphaveon
themoralconductofarationalbeing?Hebendstopowerheadoresadarkcloud,whichmayopenabright
prospecttohim,orburstinangry,lawlessfuryonhisdevotedhead,heknowsnotwhy.And,supposingthat
theDeityactsfromthevagueimpulseofanundirectedwill,manmustalsofollowhisown,oractaccording
torules,deducedfromprincipleswhichhedisclaimsasirreverent.Intothisdilemmahavebothenthusiasts
andcoolerthinkersfallen,whentheylabouredtofreemenfromthewholesomerestraintswhichajust
conceptionofthecharacterofGodimposes.

ItisnotimpiousthustoscantheattributesoftheAlmighty:infact,whocanavoiditthatexerciseshis
faculties?fortoloveGodasthefountainofwisdom,goodness,andpower,appearstobetheonlyworship
usefultoabeingwhowishestoacquireeithervirtueorknowledge.Ablindunsettledaffectionmay,like
humanpassions,occupythemindandwarmtheheart,whilst,todojustice,lovemercy,andwalkhumbly
withourGod,isforgotten.Ishallpursuethissubjectstillfurther,whenIconsiderreligioninalightopposite
tothatrecommendedbyDr.Gregory,whotreatsitasamatterofsentimentortaste.

Toreturnfromthisapparentdigression.Itweretobewished,thatwomenwouldcherishanaffectionfortheir
husbands,foundedonthesameprinciplethatdevotionoughttorestupon.Nootherfirmbaseisthereunder
heaven,forletthembewareofthefallaciouslightofsentimenttoooftenusedasasofterphrasefor
sensuality.Itfollowsthen,Ithink,thatfromtheirinfancywomenshouldeitherbeshutuplikeeastern
princes,oreducatedinsuchamannerastobeabletothinkandactforthemselves.

Whydomenhaltbetweentwoopinions,andexpectimpossibilities?Whydotheyexpectvirtuefromaslave,
orfromabeingwhomtheconstitutionofcivilsocietyhasrenderedweak,ifnotvicious?

StillIknowthatitwillrequireaconsiderablelengthoftimetoeradicatethefirmlyrootedprejudiceswhich
sensualistshaveplanteditwillalsorequiresometimetoconvincewomenthattheyactcontrarytotheirreal
interestonanenlargedscale,whentheycherishoraffectweaknessunderthenameofdelicacy,andto
convincetheworldthatthepoisonedsourceoffemalevicesandfollies,ifitbenecessary,incompliancewith
custom,tousesynonymoustermsinalaxsense,hasbeenthesensualhomagepaidtobeauty:tobeautyof
featuresforithasbeenshrewdlyobservedbyaGermanwriter,thataprettywoman,asanobjectofdesire,is
generallyallowedtobesobymenofalldescriptionswhilstafinewoman,whoinspiresmoresublime
emotionsbydisplayingintellectualbeauty,maybeoverlookedorobservedwithindifference,bythosemen
whofindtheirhappinessinthegratificationoftheirappetites.Iforeseeanobviousretortwhilstman
remainssuchanimperfectbeingasheappearshithertotohavebeen,hewill,moreorless,betheslaveofhis
appetitesandthosewomenobtainingmostpowerwhogratifyapredominantone,thesexisdegradedbya
physical,ifnotbyamoralnecessity.
Thisobjectionhas,Igrant,someforcebutwhilesuchasublimepreceptexists,as,"bepureasyourheavenly
fatherispure"itwouldseemthatthevirtuesofmanarenotlimitedbytheBeingwhoalonecouldlimit
themandthathemaypressforwardwithoutconsideringwhetherhestepsoutofhisspherebyindulging
suchanobleambition.Tothewildbillowsithasbeensaid,"thusfarshaltthougo,andnofurtherandhere
shallthyproudwavesbestayed."Vainlythendotheybeatandfoam,restrainedbythepowerthatconfines
thestrugglingplanetswithintheirorbits,matteryieldstothegreatgoverningSpirit.Butanimmortalsoul,
notrestrainedbymechanicallaws,andstrugglingtofreeitselffromtheshacklesofmatter,contributesto,
insteadofdisturbing,theorderofcreation,when,cooperatingwiththeFatherofspirits,ittriestogovern
itselfbytheinvariablerulethat,inadegree,beforewhichourimaginationfaints,theuniverseisregulated.

Besides,ifwomenareeducatedfordependence,thatis,toactaccordingtothewillofanotherfalliblebeing,
andsubmit,rightorwrong,topower,wherearewetostop?Aretheytobeconsideredasviceregents,
allowedtoreignoverasmalldomain,andanswerablefortheirconducttoahighertribunal,liabletoerror?

Itwillnotbedifficulttoprove,thatsuchdelegateswillactlikemensubjectedbyfear,andmaketheir
childrenandservantsenduretheirtyrannicaloppression.Astheysubmitwithoutreason,theywill,havingno
fixedrulestosquaretheirconductby,bekindorcruel,justasthewhimofthemomentdirectsandweought
nottowonderifsometimes,galledbytheirheavyyoke,theytakeamalignantpleasureinrestingiton
weakershoulders.

But,supposingawoman,traineduptoobedience,bemarriedtoasensibleman,whodirectsherjudgment,
withoutmakingherfeeltheservilityofhersubjection,toactwithasmuchproprietybythisreflectedlightas
canbeexpectedwhenreasonistakenatsecondhand,yetshecannotensurethelifeofherprotectorhemay
dieandleaveherwithalargefamily.

Adoubledutydevolvesonhertoeducatetheminthecharacterofbothfatherandmothertoformtheir
principlesandsecuretheirproperty.But,alas!shehasneverthought,muchlessactedforherself.Shehas
onlylearnedtopleasemen,todependgracefullyonthemyet,encumberedwithchildren,howissheto
obtainanotherprotectorahusbandtosupplytheplaceofreason?Arationalman,forwearenottreadingon
romanticground,thoughhemaythinkherapleasingdocilecreature,willnotchoosetomarryaFAMILYfor
love,whentheworldcontainsmanymoreprettycreatures.Whatisthentobecomeofher?Sheeitherfallsan
easypreytosomemeanfortunehunter,whodefraudsherchildrenoftheirpaternalinheritance,andrenders
hermiserableorbecomesthevictimofdiscontentandblindindulgence.Unabletoeducatehersons,or
impressthemwithrespectforitisnotaplayonwordstoassert,thatpeopleareneverrespected,though
fillinganimportantstation,whoarenotrespectableshepinesundertheanguishofunavailingimpotent
regret.Theserpent'stoothentersintoherverysoul,andthevicesoflicentiousyouthbringherwithsorrow,if
notwithpovertyalso,tothegrave.

Thisisnotanoverchargedpictureonthecontrary,itisaverypossiblecase,andsomethingsimilarmust
havefallenundereveryattentiveeye.

Ihave,however,takenitforgranted,thatshewaswelldisposed,thoughexperienceshows,thattheblind
mayaseasilybeledintoaditchasalongthebeatenroad.Butsupposing,noveryimprobableconjecture,that
abeingonlytaughttopleasemuststillfindherhappinessinpleasingwhatanexampleoffolly,nottosay
vice,willshebetoherinnocentdaughters!Themotherwillbelostinthecoquette,and,insteadofmaking
friendsofherdaughters,viewthemwitheyesaskance,fortheyarerivalsrivalsmorecruelthananyother,
becausetheyinviteacomparison,anddriveherfromthethroneofbeauty,whohasneverthoughtofaseat
onthebenchofreason.

Itdoesnotrequirealivelypencil,orthediscriminatingoutlineofacaricature,tosketchthedomestic
miseriesandpettyviceswhichsuchamistressofafamilydiffuses.Stillsheonlyactsasawomanoughtto
act,broughtupaccordingtoRousseau'ssystem.Shecanneverbereproachedforbeingmasculine,orturning
outofherspherenay,shemayobserveanotherofhisgrandrules,and,cautiouslypreservingherreputation
freefromspot,bereckonedagoodkindofwoman.Yetinwhatrespectcanshebetermedgood?She
abstains,itistrue,withoutanygreatstruggle,fromcommittinggrosscrimesbuthowdoesshefulfilher
duties?Duties!intruthshehasenoughtothinkoftoadornherbodyandnurseaweakconstitution.

Withrespecttoreligion,sheneverpresumedtojudgeforherselfbutconformed,asadependentcreature
should,totheceremoniesofthechurchwhichshewasbroughtupin,piouslybelieving,thatwiserheadsthan
herownhavesettledthatbusiness:andnottodoubtisherpointofperfection.Shethereforepayshertytheof
mintandcummin,andthanksherGodthatsheisnotasotherwomenare.Thesearetheblessedeffectsofa
goodeducation!thesethevirtuesofman'shelpmate.Imustrelievemyselfbydrawingadifferentpicture.

Letfancynowpresentawomanwithatolerableunderstanding,forIdonotwishtoleavethelineof
mediocrity,whoseconstitution,strengthenedbyexercise,hasallowedherbodytoacquireitsfullvigourher
mind,atthesametime,graduallyexpandingitselftocomprehendthemoraldutiesoflife,andinwhathuman
virtueanddignityconsist.Formedthusbytherelativedutiesofherstation,shemarriesfromaffection,
withoutlosingsightofprudence,andlookingbeyondmatrimonialfelicity,shesecuresherhusband'srespect
beforeitisnecessarytoexertmeanartstopleasehim,andfeedadyingflame,whichnaturedoomedto
expirewhentheobjectbecamefamiliar,whenfriendshipandforbearancetakeplaceofamoreardent
affection.Thisisthenaturaldeathoflove,anddomesticpeaceisnotdestroyedbystrugglestopreventits
extinction.Ialsosupposethehusbandtobevirtuousorsheisstillmoreinwantofindependentprinciples.

Fate,however,breaksthistie.Sheisleftawidow,perhaps,withoutasufficientprovision:butsheisnot
desolate!Thepangofnatureisfeltbutaftertimehassoftenedsorrowintomelancholyresignation,herheart
turnstoherchildrenwithredoubledfondness,andanxioustoprovideforthem,affectiongivesasacred
heroiccasttohermaternalduties.Shethinksthatnotonlytheeyeseeshervirtuousefforts,fromwhomall
hercomfortnowmustflow,andwhoseapprobationislifebutherimagination,alittleabstractedandexalted
bygrief,dwellsonthefondhope,thattheeyeswhichhertremblinghandclosed,maystillseehowshe
subdueseverywaywardpassiontofulfilthedoubledutyofbeingthefatheraswellasthemotherofher
children.Raisedtoheroismbymisfortunes,sherepressesthefirstfaintdawningofanaturalinclination,
beforeitripensintolove,andinthebloomoflifeforgetshersexforgetsthepleasureofanawakening
passion,whichmightagainhavebeeninspiredandreturned.Shenolongerthinksofpleasing,andconscious
dignitypreventsherfrompridingherselfonaccountofthepraisewhichherconductdemands.Herchildren
haveherlove,andherbrightesthopesarebeyondthegrave,whereherimaginationoftenstrays.

IthinkIseehersurroundedbyherchildren,reapingtherewardofhercare.Theintelligenteyemeetsher's,
whilsthealthandinnocencesmileontheirchubbycheeks,andastheygrowupthecaresoflifearelessened
bytheirgratefulattention.Shelivestoseethevirtueswhichsheendeavouredtoplantonprinciples,fixed
intohabits,toseeherchildrenattainastrengthofcharactersufficienttoenablethemtoendureadversity
withoutforgettingtheirmother'sexample.

Thetaskoflifethusfulfilled,shecalmlywaitsforthesleepofdeath,andrisingfromthegravemaysay,
behold,thougavestmeatalent,andherearefivetalents.

IwishtosumupwhatIhavesaidinafewwords,forIherethrowdownmygauntlet,anddenytheexistence
ofsexualvirtues,notexceptingmodesty.Formanandwoman,truth,ifIunderstandthemeaningofthe
word,mustbethesameyetthefancifulfemalecharacter,soprettilydrawnbypoetsandnovelists,
demandingthesacrificeoftruthandsincerity,virtuebecomesarelativeidea,havingnootherfoundation
thanutility,andofthatutilitymenpretendarbitrarilytojudge,shapingittotheirownconvenience.

Women,Iallow,mayhavedifferentdutiestofulfilbuttheyareHUMANduties,andtheprinciplesthat
shouldregulatethedischargeofthem,Isturdilymaintain,mustbethesame.

Tobecomerespectable,theexerciseoftheirunderstandingisnecessary,thereisnootherfoundationfor
independenceofcharacterImeanexplicitlytosay,thattheymustonlybowtotheauthorityofreason,
insteadofbeingtheMODESTslavesofopinion.

Inthesuperiorranksoflifehowseldomdowemeetwithamanofsuperiorabilities,orevencommon
acquirements?Thereasonappearstomeclearthestatetheyareborninwasanunnaturalone.Thehuman
characterhaseverbeenformedbytheemploymentstheindividual,orclasspursuesandifthefacultiesare
notsharpenedbynecessity,theymustremainobtuse.Theargumentmayfairlybeextendedtowomenfor
seldomoccupiedbyseriousbusiness,thepursuitofpleasuregivesthatinsignificancytotheircharacter
whichrendersthesocietyoftheGREATsoinsipid.Thesamewantoffirmness,producedbyasimilarcause,
forcesthembothtoflyfromthemselvestonoisypleasures,andartificialpassions,tillvanitytakesplaceof
everysocialaffection,andthecharacteristicsofhumanitycanscarcelybediscerned.Sucharetheblessings
ofcivilgovernments,astheyareatpresentorganized,thatwealthandfemalesoftnessequallytendtodebase
mankind,andareproducedbythesamecausebutallowingwomentoberationalcreaturestheyshouldbe
incitedtoacquirevirtueswhichtheymaycalltheirown,forhowcanarationalbeingbeennobledbyany
thingthatisnotobtainedbyitsOWNexertions?

CHAPTER4.

OBSERVATIONSONTHESTATEOFDEGRADATIONTOWHICHWOMANISREDUCEDBYVARIOUSCAUSES.

Thatwomanisnaturallyweak,ordegradedbyaconcurrenceofcircumstancesis,Ithink,clear.Butthis
positionIshallsimplycontrastwithaconclusion,whichIhavefrequentlyheardfallfromsensiblemenin
favourofanaristocracy:thatthemassofmankindcannotbeanything,ortheobsequiousslaves,who
patientlyallowthemselvestobepennedup,wouldfeeltheirownconsequence,andspurntheirchains.Men,
theyfurtherobserve,submiteverywheretooppression,whentheyhaveonlytoliftuptheirheadstothrow
offtheyokeyet,insteadofassertingtheirbirthright,theyquietlylickthedust,andsay,letuseatanddrink,
fortomorrowwedie.Women,Iarguefromanalogy,aredegradedbythesamepropensitytoenjoythe
presentmomentand,atlast,despisethefreedomwhichtheyhavenotsufficientvirtuetostruggletoattain.
ButImustbemoreexplicit.

Withrespecttothecultureoftheheart,itisunanimouslyallowedthatsexisoutofthequestionbuttheline
ofsubordinationinthementalpowersisnevertobepassedover.Only"absoluteinloveliness,"theportionof
rationalitygrantedtowomanis,indeed,veryscantyfor,denyinghergeniusandjudgment,itisscarcely
possibletodivinewhatremainstocharacterizeintellect.

Thestaminaofimmortality,ifImaybeallowedthephrase,istheperfectibilityofhumanreasonfor,was
mancreatedperfect,ordidafloodofknowledgebreakinuponhim,whenhearrivedatmaturity,that
precludederror,Ishoulddoubtwhetherhisexistencewouldbecontinuedafterthedissolutionofthebody.
Butinthepresentstateofthings,everydifficultyinmorals,thatescapesfromhumandiscussion,andequally
bafflestheinvestigationofprofoundthinking,andthelightningglanceofgenius,isanargumentonwhichI
buildmybeliefoftheimmortalityofthesoul.Reasonis,consequentially,thesimplepowerofimprovement
or,moreproperlyspeaking,ofdiscerningtruth.Everyindividualisinthisrespectaworldinitself.Moreor
lessmaybeconspicuousinonebeingthanotherbutthenatureofreasonmustbethesameinall,ifitbean
emanationofdivinity,thetiethatconnectsthecreaturewiththeCreatorfor,canthatsoulbestampedwith
theheavenlyimage,thatisnotperfectedbytheexerciseofitsownreason?Yetoutwardlyornamentedwith
elaboratecare,andsoadornedtodelightman,"thatwithhonourhemaylove,"(VideMilton)thesoulof
womanisnotallowedtohavethisdistinction,andman,everplacedbetweenherandreason,sheisalways
representedasonlycreatedtoseethroughagrossmedium,andtotakethingsontrust.But,dismissingthese
fancifultheories,andconsideringwomanasawhole,letitbewhatitwill,insteadofapartofman,the
inquiryis,whethershehasreasonornot.Ifshehas,which,foramoment,Iwilltakeforgranted,shewasnot
createdmerelytobethesolaceofman,andthesexualshouldnotdestroythehumancharacter.

Intothiserrormenhave,probably,beenledbyviewingeducationinafalselightnotconsideringitasthe
firststeptoformabeingadvancinggraduallytowardperfection(Thiswordisnotstrictlyjust,butIcannot
findabetter.)butonlyasapreparationforlife.Onthissensualerror,forImustcallitso,hasthefalsesystem
offemalemannersbeenreared,whichrobsthewholesexofitsdignity,andclassesthebrownandfairwith
thesmilingflowersthatonlyadorntheland.Thishaseverbeenthelanguageofmen,andthefearof
departingfromasupposedsexualcharacter,hasmadeevenwomenofsuperiorsenseadoptthesame
sentiments.Thusunderstanding,strictlyspeaking,hasbeendeniedtowomanandinstinct,sublimatedinto
witandcunning,forthepurposesoflife,hasbeensubstitutedinitsstead.

Thepowerofgeneralizingideas,ofdrawingcomprehensiveconclusionsfromindividualobservations,isthe
onlyacquirementforanimmortalbeing,thatreallydeservesthenameofknowledge.Merelytoobserve,
withoutendeavouringtoaccountforanything,may,(inaveryincompletemanner)serveasthecommon
senseoflifebutwhereisthestorelaidupthatistoclothethesoulwhenitleavesthebody?

Thispowerhasnotonlybeendeniedtowomenbutwritershaveinsistedthatitisinconsistent,withafew
exceptions,withtheirsexualcharacter.Letmenprovethis,andIshallgrantthatwomanonlyexistsforman.
Imust,however,previouslyremark,thatthepowerofgeneralizingideas,toanygreatextent,isnotvery
commonamongstmenorwomen.Butthisexerciseisthetruecultivationoftheunderstandingandevery
thingconspirestorenderthecultivationoftheunderstandingmoredifficultinthefemalethanthemale
world.

Iamnaturallyledbythisassertiontothemainsubjectofthepresentchapter,andshallnowattempttopoint
outsomeofthecausesthatdegradethesex,andpreventwomenfromgeneralizingtheirobservations.

Ishallnotgobacktotheremoteannalsofantiquitytotracethehistoryofwomanitissufficienttoallow,
thatshehasalwaysbeeneitheraslaveoradespot,andtoremark,thateachofthesesituationsequallyretards
theprogressofreason.Thegrandsourceoffemalefollyandvicehaseverappearedtometoarisefrom
narrownessofmindandtheveryconstitutionofcivilgovernmentshasputalmostinsuperableobstaclesin
thewaytopreventthecultivationofthefemaleunderstanding:yetvirtuecanbebuiltonnoother
foundation!Thesameobstaclesarethrowninthewayoftherich,andthesameconsequencesensue.

Necessityhasbeenproverbiallytermedthemotherofinventiontheaphorismmaybeextendedtovirtue.It
isanacquirement,andanacquirementtowhichpleasuremustbesacrificed,andwhosacrificespleasure
whenitiswithinthegrasp,whosemindhasnotbeenopenedandstrengthenedbyadversity,orthepursuitof
knowledgegoadedonbynecessity?Happyisitwhenpeoplehavethecaresoflifetostrugglewithforthese
strugglespreventtheirbecomingapreytoenervatingvices,merelyfromidleness!But,iffromtheirbirth
menandwomenareplacedinatorridzone,withthemeridiansunofpleasuredartingdirectlyuponthem,
howcantheysufficientlybracetheirmindstodischargethedutiesoflife,oreventorelishtheaffectionsthat
carrythemoutofthemselves?

Pleasureisthebusinessofawoman'slife,accordingtothepresentmodificationofsociety,andwhileit
continuestobeso,littlecanbeexpectedfromsuchweakbeings.Inheriting,inalinealdescentfromthefirst
fairdefectinnature,thesovereigntyofbeauty,theyhave,tomaintaintheirpower,resignedtheirnatural
rights,whichtheexerciseofreason,mighthaveprocuredthem,andchosenrathertobeshortlivedqueens
thanlabourtoattainthesoberpleasuresthatarisefromequality.Exaltedbytheirinferiority(thissoundslike
acontradiction)theyconstantlydemandhomageaswomen,thoughexperienceshouldteachthemthatthe
menwhopridethemselvesuponpayingthisarbitraryinsolentrespecttothesex,withthemostscrupulous
exactness,aremostinclinedtotyrannizeover,anddespisetheveryweaknesstheycherish.Oftendothey
repeatMr.Hume'ssentimentswhencomparingtheFrenchandAtheniancharacter,healludestowomen.
"Butwhatismoresingularinthiswhimsicalnation,sayItotheAthenians,is,thatafrolicofyoursduring
theSaturnalia,whentheslavesareservedbytheirmasters,isseriouslycontinuedbythemthroughthewhole
year,andthroughthewholecourseoftheirlivesaccompaniedtoowithsomecircumstances,whichstill
furtheraugmenttheabsurdityandridicule.Yoursportonlyelevatesforafewdays,thosewhomfortunehas
throwndown,andwhomshetoo,insport,mayreallyelevateforeveraboveyou.Butthisnationgravely
exaltsthose,whomnaturehassubjectedtothem,andwhoseinferiorityandinfirmitiesareabsolutely
incurable.Thewomen,thoughwithoutvirtue,aretheirmastersandsovereigns."

Ah!whydowomen,Iwritewithaffectionatesolicitude,condescendtoreceiveadegreeofattentionand
respectfromstrangers,differentfromthatreciprocationofcivilitywhichthedictatesofhumanity,andthe
politenessofcivilizationauthorisebetweenmanandman?Andwhydotheynotdiscover,when"inthenoon
ofbeauty'spower,"thattheyaretreatedlikequeensonlytobedeludedbyhollowrespect,tilltheyareledto
resign,ornotassume,theirnaturalprerogatives?Confinedthenincages,likethefeatheredrace,theyhave
nothingtodobuttoplumethemselves,andstalkwithmockmajestyfromperchtoperch.Itistrue,theyare
providedwithfoodandraiment,forwhichtheyneithertoilnorspinbuthealth,liberty,andvirtuearegiven
inexchange.But,where,amongstmankindhasbeenfoundsufficientstrengthofmindtoenableabeingto
resigntheseadventitiousprerogativesonewhorisingwiththecalmdignityofreasonaboveopinion,dared
tobeproudoftheprivilegesinherentinman?anditisvaintoexpectitwhilsthereditarypowerchokesthe
affections,andnipsreasoninthebud.

Thepassionsofmenhavethusplacedwomenonthronesand,tillmankindbecomemorereasonable,itisto
befearedthatwomenwillavailthemselvesofthepowerwhichtheyattainwiththeleastexertion,andwhich
isthemostindisputable.Theywillsmile,yes,theywillsmile,thoughtoldthat

"Inbeauty'sempireisnomean,
Andwomaneitherslaveorqueen,
Isquicklyscorn'dwhennotador'd."
Buttheadorationcomesfirst,andthescornisnotanticipated.

LewistheXIVth,inparticular,spreadfactitiousmanners,andcaughtinaspeciousway,thewholenationin
histoilsforestablishinganartfulchainofdespotism,hemadeittheinterestofthepeopleatlarge,
individuallytorespecthisstation,andsupporthispower.Andwomen,whomheflatteredbyapuerile
attentiontothewholesex,obtainedinhisreignthatprincelikedistinctionsofataltoreasonandvirtue.

Akingisalwaysaking,andawomanalwaysawoman:(Andawit,alwaysawit,mightbeaddedforthe
vainfooleriesofwitsandbeautiestoobtainattention,andmakeconquests,aremuchuponapar.)his
authorityandhersex,everstandbetweenthemandrationalconverse.Withalover,Igrantsheshouldbeso,
andhersensibilitywillnaturallyleadhertoendeavourtoexciteemotion,nottogratifyhervanitybuther
heart.ThisIdonotallowtobecoquetry,itistheartlessimpulseofnature,Ionlyexclaimagainstthesexual
desireofconquest,whentheheartisoutofthequestion.

Thisdesireisnotconfinedtowomen"Ihaveendeavoured,"saysLordChesterfield,"togaintheheartsof
twentywomen,whosepersonsIwouldnothavegivenafigfor."Thelibertinewhoinagustofpassion,takes
advantageofunsuspectingtenderness,isasaintwhencomparedwiththiscoldheartedrascalforIliketo
usesignificantwords.Yetonlytaughttoplease,womenarealwaysonthewatchtoplease,andwithtrue
heroicardourendeavourtogainheartsmerelytoresign,orspurnthem,whenthevictoryisdecided,and
conspicuous.

Imustdescendtotheminutiaeofthesubject.

Ilamentthatwomenaresystematicallydegradedbyreceivingthetrivialattentions,whichmenthinkit
manlytopaytothesex,when,infact,theyareinsultinglysupportingtheirownsuperiority.Itisnot
condescensiontobowtoaninferior.Soludicrous,infact,dotheseceremoniesappeartome,thatIscarcely
amabletogovernmymuscles,whenIseeamanstartwitheager,andserioussolicitudetolifta
handkerchief,orshutadoor,whentheLADYcouldhavedoneitherself,hadsheonlymovedapaceortwo.

Awildwishhasjustflownfrommyhearttomyhead,andIwillnotstifleitthoughitmayexciteahorse
laugh.Idoearnestlywishtoseethedistinctionofsexconfoundedinsociety,unlesswhereloveanimatesthe
behaviour.Forthisdistinctionis,Iamfirmlypersuaded,thefoundationoftheweaknessofcharacterascribed
towomanisthecausewhytheunderstandingisneglected,whilstaccomplishmentsareacquiredwith
sedulouscare:andthesamecauseaccountsfortheirpreferringthegracefulbeforetheheroicvirtues.

Mankind,includingeverydescription,wishtobelovedandrespectedforSOMETHINGandthecommon
herdwillalwaystakethenearestroadtothecompletionoftheirwishes.Therespectpaidtowealthand
beautyisthemostcertainandunequivocalandofcourse,willalwaysattractthevulgareyeofcommon
minds.Abilitiesandvirtuesareabsolutelynecessarytoraisemenfromthemiddlerankoflifeintonotice
andthenaturalconsequenceisnotorious,themiddlerankcontainsmostvirtueandabilities.Menhavethus,
inonestation,atleast,anopportunityofexertingthemselveswithdignity,andofrisingbytheexertions
whichreallyimprovearationalcreaturebutthewholefemalesexare,tilltheircharacterisformed,inthe
sameconditionastherich:fortheyareborn,Inowspeakofastateofcivilization,withcertainsexual
privileges,andwhilsttheyaregratuitouslygrantedthem,fewwilleverthinkofworksofsupererogation,to
obtaintheesteemofasmallnumberofsuperiorpeople.

Whendowehearofwomen,whostartingoutofobscurity,boldlyclaimrespectonaccountoftheirgreat
abilitiesordaringvirtues?Wherearetheytobefound?"Tobeobserved,tobeattendedto,tobetakennotice
ofwithsympathy,complacency,andapprobation,arealltheadvantageswhichtheyseek."True!mymale
readerswillprobablyexclaimbutletthem,beforetheydrawanyconclusion,recollect,thatthiswasnot
writtenoriginallyasdescriptiveofwomen,butoftherich.InDr.Smith'sTheoryofMoralSentiments,Ihave
foundageneralcharacterofpeopleofrankandfortune,thatinmyopinion,mightwiththegreatestpropriety
beappliedtothefemalesex.Ireferthesagaciousreadertothewholecomparisonbutmustbeallowedto
quoteapassagetoenforceanargumentthatImeantoinsiston,astheonemostconclusiveagainstasexual
character.Forif,exceptingwarriors,nogreatmenofanydenomination,haveeverappearedamongstthe
nobility,mayitnotbefairlyinferred,thattheirlocalsituationswalloweduptheman,andproduceda
charactersimilartothatofwomen,whoareLOCALIZED,ifImaybeallowedtheword,bytheranktheyare
placedin,byCOURTESY?Women,commonlycalledLadies,arenottobecontradictedincompany,arenot
allowedtoexertanymanualstrengthandfromthemthenegativevirtuesonlyareexpected,whenany
virtuesareexpected,patience,docility,goodhumour,andflexibilityvirtuesincompatiblewithanyvigorous
exertionofintellect.Besidesbylivingmorewitheachother,andtobeingseldomabsolutelyalone,theyare
moreundertheinfluenceofsentimentsthanpassions.Solitudeandreflectionarenecessarytogivetowishes
theforceofpassions,andenabletheimaginationtoenlargetheobjectandmakeitthemostdesirable.The
samemaybesaidoftherichtheydonotsufficientlydealingeneralideas,collectedbyimpassionate
thinking,orcalminvestigation,toacquirethatstrengthofcharacter,onwhichgreatresolvesarebuilt.But
hearwhatanacuteobserversaysofthegreat.

"Dothegreatseeminsensibleoftheeasypriceatwhichtheymayacquirethepublicadmiration?ordothey
seemtoimagine,thattothem,astoothermen,itmustbethepurchaseeitherofsweatorofblood?Bywhat
importantaccomplishmentsistheyoungnoblemaninstructedtosupportthedignityofhisrank,andtorender
himselfworthyofthatsuperiorityoverhisfellowcitizens,towhichthevirtueofhisancestorshadraised
them?Isitbyknowledge,byindustry,bypatience,byselfdenial,orbyvirtueofanykind?Asallhiswords,
asallhismotionsareattendedto,helearnsanhabitualregardforeverycircumstanceofordinarybehaviour,
andstudiestoperformallthosesmalldutieswiththemostexactpropriety.Asheisconscioushowmuchhe
isobserved,andhowmuchmankindaredisposedtofavourallhisinclinations,heacts,uponthemost
indifferentoccasions,withthatfreedomandelevationwhichthethoughtofthisnaturallyinspires.Hisair,his
manner,hisdeportmentallmarkthatelegantandgracefulsenseofhisownsuperiority,whichthosewhoare
borntoaninferiorstationcanhardlyeverarriveat.Thesearetheartsbywhichheproposestomake
mankindmoreeasilysubmittohisauthority,andtogoverntheirinclinationsaccordingtohisownpleasure:
andinthisheisseldomdisappointed.Thesearts,supportedbyrankandpreeminence,are,uponordinary
occasions,sufficienttogoverntheworld.LewisXIV.duringthegreaterpartofhisreign,wasregarded,not
onlyinFrance,butoverallEurope,asthemostperfectmodelofagreatprince.Butwhatwerethetalents
andvirtues,bywhichheacquiredthisgreatreputation?Wasitbythescrupulousandinflexiblejusticeofall
hisundertakings,bytheimmensedangersanddifficultieswithwhichtheywereattended,orbythe
unweariedandunrelentingapplicationwithwhichhepursuedthem?Wasitbyhisextensiveknowledge,by
hisexquisitejudgment,orbyhisheroicvalour?Itwasbynoneofthesequalities.Buthewas,firstofall,the
mostpowerfulprinceinEurope,andconsequentlyheldthehighestrankamongkingsandthen,sayshis
historian,'hesurpassedallhiscourtiersinthegracefulnessofhisshape,andthemajesticbeautyofhis
features.Thesoundofhisvoicenobleandaffecting,gainedthoseheartswhichhispresenceintimidated.He
hadastepandadeportment,whichcouldsuitonlyhimandhisrank,andwhichwouldhavebeenridiculous
inanyotherperson.Theembarrassmentwhichheoccasionedtothosewhospoketohim,flatteredthatsecret
satisfactionwithwhichhefelthisownsuperiority.'Thesefrivolousaccomplishments,supportedbyhisrank,
and,nodoubt,too,byadegreeofothertalentsandvirtues,whichseems,however,nottohavebeenmuch
abovemediocrity,establishedthisprinceintheesteemofhisownage,andhavedrawnevenfromposterity,a
gooddealofrespectforhismemory.Comparedwiththese,inhisowntimes,andinhisownpresence,no
othervirtue,itseems,appearedtohaveanymerit.Knowledge,industry,valour,andbeneficence,trembling,
wereabashed,andlostalldignitybeforethem."

Woman,also,thus"inherselfcomplete,"bypossessingallthese
FRIVOLOUSaccomplishments,sochangesthenatureofthings,

"Thatwhatshewillstodoorsay
Seemswisest,virtuousest,discreetest,best
AllhigherknowledgeinHERPRESENCEfalls
Degraded.Wisdomindiscoursewithher
Losesdiscountenanc'd,andlikefollyshows
Authorityandreasononherwait."

Andallthisisbuiltonherloveliness!

Inthemiddlerankoflife,tocontinuethecomparison,men,intheiryouth,arepreparedforprofessions,and
marriageisnotconsideredasthegrandfeatureintheirliveswhilstwomen,onthecontrary,havenoother
schemetosharpentheirfaculties.Itisnotbusiness,extensiveplans,oranyoftheexcursiveflightsof
ambition,thatengrosstheirattentionno,theirthoughtsarenotemployedinrearingsuchnoblestructures.To
riseintheworld,andhavethelibertyofrunningfrompleasuretopleasure,theymustmarryadvantageously,
andtothisobjecttheirtimeissacrificed,andtheirpersonsoftenlegallyprostituted.Aman,whenheenters
anyprofession,hashiseyesteadilyfixedonsomefutureadvantage(andthemindgainsgreatstrengthby
havingallitseffortsdirectedtoonepoint)and,fullofhisbusiness,pleasureisconsideredasmererelaxation
whilstwomenseekforpleasureasthemainpurposeofexistence.Infact,fromtheeducationwhichthey
receivefromsociety,theloveofpleasuremaybesaidtogovernthemallbutdoesthisprovethatthereisa
sexinsouls?Itwouldbejustasrationaltodeclare,thatthecourtiersinFrance,whenadestructivesystemof
despotismhadformedtheircharacter,werenotmen,becauseliberty,virtue,andhumanity,weresacrificedto
pleasureandvanity.Fatalpassions,whichhaveeverdomineeredovertheWHOLErace!

Thesameloveofpleasure,fosteredbythewholetendencyoftheireducation,givesatriflingturntothe
conductofwomeninmostcircumstances:forinstance,theyareeveranxiousaboutsecondarythingsandon
thewatchforadventures,insteadofbeingoccupiedbyduties.

Aman,whenheundertakesajourney,has,ingeneraltheendinviewawomanthinksmoreoftheincidental
occurrences,thestrangethingsthatmaypossiblyoccurontheroadtheimpressionthatshemaymakeonher
fellowtravellersand,aboveall,sheisanxiouslyintentonthecareofthefinerythatshecarrieswithher,
whichismorethaneverapartofherself,whengoingtofigureonanewscenewhen,touseanaptFrench
turnofexpression,sheisgoingtoproduceasensation.Candignityofmindexistwithsuchtrivialcares?

Inshort,women,ingeneral,aswellastherichofbothsexes,haveacquiredallthefolliesandvicesof
civilization,andmissedtheusefulfruit.Itisnotnecessaryformealwaystopremise,thatIspeakofthe
conditionofthewholesex,leavingexceptionsoutofthequestion.Theirsensesareinflamed,andtheir
understandingsneglectedconsequentlytheybecomethepreyoftheirsenses,delicatelytermedsensibility,
andareblownaboutbyeverymomentarygustoffeeling.Theyare,therefore,inamuchworsecondition
thantheywouldbein,weretheyinastatenearertonature.Everrestlessandanxious,theiroverexercised
sensibilitynotonlyrendersthemuncomfortablethemselves,buttroublesome,touseasoftphrase,toothers.
Alltheirthoughtsturnonthingscalculatedtoexciteemotionand,feeling,whentheyshouldreason,their
conductisunstable,andtheiropinionsarewavering,notthewaveringproducedbydeliberationor
progressiveviews,butbycontradictoryemotions.Byfitsandstartstheyarewarminmanypursuitsyetthis
warmth,neverconcentratedintoperseverance,soonexhaustsitselfexhaledbyitsownheat,ormeetingwith
someotherfleetingpassion,towhichreasonhasnevergivenanyspecificgravity,neutralityensues.
Miserable,indeed,mustbethatbeingwhosecultivationofmindhasonlytendedtoinflameitspassions!A
distinctionshouldbemadebetweeninflamingandstrengtheningthem.Thepassionsthuspampered,whilst
thejudgmentisleftunformed,whatcanbeexpectedtoensue?Undoubtedly,amixtureofmadnessandfolly!

ThisobservationshouldnotbeconfinedtotheFAIRsexhowever,atpresent,Ionlymeantoapplyitto
them.

Novels,music,poetryandgallantry,alltendtomakewomenthecreaturesofsensation,andtheircharacteris
thusformedduringthetimetheyareacquiringaccomplishments,theonlyimprovementtheyareexcited,by
theirstationinsociety,toacquire.Thisoverstretchedsensibilitynaturallyrelaxestheotherpowersofthe
mind,andpreventsintellectfromattainingthatsovereigntywhichitoughttoattain,torenderarational
creatureusefultoothers,andcontentwithitsownstationfortheexerciseoftheunderstanding,aslife
advances,istheonlymethodpointedoutbynaturetocalmthepassions.

Satietyhasaverydifferenteffect,andIhaveoftenbeenforciblystruckbyanemphaticaldescriptionof
damnation,whenthespiritisrepresentedascontinuallyhoveringwithabortiveeagernessroundthedefiled
body,unabletoenjoyanythingwithouttheorgansofsense.Yet,totheirsenses,arewomenmadeslaves,
becauseitisbytheirsensibilitythattheyobtainpresentpower.

Andwillmoralistspretendtoassert,thatthisistheconditioninwhichonehalfofthehumanraceshouldbe
encouragedtoremainwithlistlessinactivityandstupidacquiescence?Kindinstructors!whatwerewe
createdfor?Toremain,itmaybesaid,innocenttheymeaninastateofchildhood.Wemightaswellnever
havebeenborn,unlessitwerenecessarythatweshouldbecreatedtoenablemantoacquirethenoble
privilegeofreason,thepowerofdiscerninggoodfromevil,whilstweliedowninthedustfromwhencewe
weretaken,nevertoriseagain.

Itwouldbeanendlesstasktotracethevarietyofmeannesses,cares,andsorrows,intowhichwomenare
plungedbytheprevailingopinion,thattheywerecreatedrathertofeelthanreason,andthatallthepower
theyobtain,mustbeobtainedbytheircharmsandweakness
"Finebydefect,andamiablyweak!"

And,madebythisamiableweaknessentirelydependent,exceptingwhattheygainbyillicitsway,onman,
notonlyforprotection,butadvice,isitsurprisingthat,neglectingthedutiesthatreasonalonepointsout,and
shrinkingfromtrialscalculatedtostrengthentheirminds,theyonlyexertthemselvestogivetheirdefectsa
gracefulcovering,whichmayservetoheightentheircharmsintheeyeofthevoluptuary,thoughitsinkthem
belowthescaleofmoralexcellence?

Fragileineverysenseoftheword,theyareobligedtolookuptomanforeverycomfort.Inthemosttrifling
dangerstheyclingtotheirsupport,withparasiticaltenacity,piteouslydemandingsuccourandtheir
NATURALprotectorextendshisarm,orliftsuphisvoice,toguardthelovelytremblerfromwhat?
Perhapsthefrownofanoldcow,orthejumpofamousearat,wouldbeaseriousdanger.Inthenameof
reason,andevencommonsense,whatcansavesuchbeingsfromcontempteventhoughtheybesoftand
fair?

Thesefears,whennotaffected,maybeveryprettybuttheyshewadegreeofimbecility,thatdegradesa
rationalcreatureinawaywomenarenotawareofforloveandesteemareverydistinctthings.

Iamfullypersuaded,thatweshouldhearofnoneoftheseinfantineairs,ifgirlswereallowedtotake
sufficientexerciseandnotconfinedincloseroomstilltheirmusclesarerelaxedandtheirpowersof
digestiondestroyed.Tocarrytheremarkstillfurther,iffearingirls,insteadofbeingcherished,perhaps,
created,weretreatedinthesamemannerascowardiceinboys,weshouldquicklyseewomenwithmore
dignifiedaspects.Itistrue,theycouldnotthenwithequalproprietybetermedthesweetflowersthatsmilein
thewalkofmanbuttheywouldbemorerespectablemembersofsociety,anddischargetheimportantduties
oflifebythelightoftheirownreason."Educatewomenlikemen,"saysRousseau,"andthemorethey
resembleoursexthelesspowerwilltheyhaveoverus."ThisistheverypointIaimat.Idonotwishthemto
havepowerovermenbutoverthemselves.

InthesamestrainhaveIheardmenargueagainstinstructingthepoorformanyaretheformsthat
aristocracyassumes."Teachthemtoreadandwrite,"saythey,"andyoutakethemoutofthestationassigned
thembynature."AneloquentFrenchman,hasansweredthemIwillborrowhissentiments.Buttheyknow
not,whentheymakemanabrute,thattheymayexpecteveryinstanttoseehimtransformedintoaferocious
beast.Withoutknowledgetherecanbenomorality!

Ignoranceisafrailbaseforvirtue!Yet,thatitistheconditionforwhichwomanwasorganized,hasbeen
insisteduponbythewriterswhohavemostvehementlyarguedinfavourofthesuperiorityofmana
superioritynotindegree,butessencethough,tosoftentheargument,theyhavelabouredtoprove,with
chivalrousgenerosity,thatthesexesoughtnottobecomparedmanwasmadetoreason,womantofeel:and
thattogether,fleshandspirit,theymakethemostperfectwhole,byblendinghappilyreasonandsensibility
intoonecharacter.

Andwhatissensibility?"Quicknessofsensationquicknessofperceptiondelicacy."Thusisitdefinedby
Dr.Johnsonandthedefinitiongivesmenootherideathanofthemostexquisitelypolishedinstinct.I
discernnotatraceoftheimageofGodineithersensationormatter.Refinedseventytimesseven,theyare
stillmaterialintellectdwellsnottherenorwillfireevermakeleadgold!

Icomeroundtomyoldargumentifwomanbeallowedtohaveanimmortalsoul,shemusthaveasthe
employmentoflife,anunderstandingtoimprove.Andwhen,torenderthepresentstatemorecomplete,
thougheverythingprovesittobebutafractionofamightysum,sheisincitedbypresentgratificationto
forgethergranddestination.Natureiscounteracted,orshewasbornonlytoprocreateandrot.Or,granting
brutes,ofeverydescription,asoul,thoughnotareasonableone,theexerciseofinstinctandsensibilitymay
bethestep,whichtheyaretotake,inthislife,towardstheattainmentofreasoninthenextsothatthrough
alleternitytheywilllagbehindman,who,whywecannottell,hadthepowergivenhimofattainingreason
inhisfirstmodeofexistence.

WhenItreatofthepeculiardutiesofwomen,asIshouldtreatofthepeculiardutiesofacitizenorfather,it
willbefoundthatIdonotmeantoinsinuate,thattheyshouldbetakenoutoftheirfamilies,speakingofthe
majority."Hethathathwifeandchildren,"saysLordBacon,"hathgivenhostagestofortunefortheyare
impedimentstogreatenterprises,eitherofvirtueormischief.Certainlythebestworks,andofgreatestmerit
forthepublic,haveproceededfromtheunmarriedorchildlessmen."Isaythesameofwomen.But,the
welfareofsocietyisnotbuiltonextraordinaryexertionsandwereitmorereasonablyorganized,therewould
bestilllessneedofgreatabilities,orheroicvirtues.Intheregulationofafamily,intheeducationofchildren,
understanding,inanunsophisticatedsense,isparticularlyrequired:strengthbothofbodyandmindyetthe
menwho,bytheirwritings,havemostearnestlylabouredtodomesticatewomen,haveendeavouredby
argumentsdictatedbyagrossappetite,thatsatietyhadrenderedfastidious,toweakentheirbodiesandcramp
theirminds.But,ifevenbythesesinistermethodstheyreallyPERSUADEDwomen,byworkingontheir
feelings,tostayathome,andfulfilthedutiesofamotherandmistressofafamily,Ishouldcautiously
opposeopinionsthatledwomentorightconduct,byprevailingonthemtomakethedischargeofadutythe
businessoflife,thoughreasonwereinsulted.Yet,andIappealtoexperience,ifbyneglectingthe
understandingtheyareasmuch,nay,moreattachedfromthesedomesticduties,thantheycouldbebythe
mostseriousintellectualpursuit,thoughitmaybeobserved,thatthemassofmankindwillnevervigorously
pursueanintellectualobject,Imaybeallowedtoinfer,thatreasonisabsolutelynecessarytoenablea
womantoperformanydutyproperly,andImustagainrepeat,thatsensibilityisnotreason.

Thecomparisonwiththerichstilloccurstomefor,whenmenneglectthedutiesofhumanity,womenwill
dothesameacommonstreamhurriesthembothalongwiththoughtlesscelerity.Richesandhonours
preventamanfromenlarginghisunderstanding,andenervateallhispowers,byreversingtheorderof
nature,whichhasevermadetruepleasuretherewardoflabour.Pleasureenervatingpleasureis,likewise,
withinwoman'sreachwithoutearningit.But,tillhereditarypossessionsarespreadabroad,howcanwe
expectmentobeproudofvirtue?And,tilltheyare,womenwillgovernthembythemostdirectmeans,
neglectingtheirdulldomesticduties,tocatchthepleasurethatisonthewingoftime.

"Thepowerofwomen,"sayssomeauthor,"ishersensibility"andmennotawareoftheconsequence,doall
theycantomakethispowerswallowupeveryother.Thosewhoconstantlyemploytheirsensibilitywillhave
most:forexamplepoets,painters,andcomposers.Yet,whenthesensibilityisthusincreasedattheexpense
ofreason,andeventheimagination,whydophilosophicalmencomplainoftheirfickleness?Thesexual
attentionofmanparticularlyactsonfemalesensibility,andthissympathyhasbeenexercisedfromtheir
youthup.Ahusbandcannotlongpaythoseattentionswiththepassionnecessarytoexcitelivelyemotions,
andtheheart,accustomedtolivelyemotions,turnstoanewlover,orpinesinsecret,thepreyofvirtueor
prudence.Imeanwhenthehearthasreallybeenrenderedsusceptible,andthetasteformedforIamaptto
conclude,fromwhatIhaveseeninfashionablelife,thatvanityisoftenerfosteredthansensibilitybythe
modeofeducation,andtheintercoursebetweenthesexes,whichIhavereprobatedandthatcoquetrymore
frequentlyproceedsfromvanitythanfromthatinconstancy,whichoverstrainedsensibilitynaturally
produces.

Anotherargumentthathashadagreatweightwithme,must,Ithink,havesomeforcewitheveryconsiderate
benevolentheart.Girls,whohavebeenthusweaklyeducated,areoftencruellyleftbytheirparentswithout
anyprovisionand,ofcourse,aredependenton,notonlythereason,butthebountyoftheirbrothers.These
brothersare,toviewthefairestsideofthequestion,goodsortofmen,andgiveasafavour,whatchildrenof
thesameparentshadanequalrightto.Inthisequivocalhumiliatingsituation,adocilefemalemayremain
sometime,withatolerabledegreeofcomfort.But,whenthebrothermarries,aprobablecircumstance,from
beingconsideredasthemistressofthefamily,sheisviewedwithavertedlooksasanintruder,an
unnecessaryburdenonthebenevolenceofthemasterofthehouse,andhisnewpartner.

Whocanrecountthemisery,whichmanyunfortunatebeings,whosemindsandbodiesareequallyweak,
sufferinsuchsituationsunabletoworkandashamedtobeg?Thewife,acoldhearted,narrowminded
woman,andthisisnotanunfairsuppositionforthepresentmodeofeducationdoesnottendtoenlargethe
heartanymorethantheunderstanding,isjealousofthelittlekindnesswhichherhusbandshowstohis
relationsandhersensibilitynotrisingtohumanity,sheisdispleasedatseeingthepropertyofHERchildren
lavishedonanhelplesssister.

Thesearemattersoffact,whichhavecomeundermyeyeagainandagain.Theconsequenceisobvious,the
wifehasrecoursetocunningtounderminethehabitualaffection,whichsheisafraidopenlytoopposeand
neithertearsnorcaressesaresparedtillthespyisworkedoutofherhome,andthrownontheworld,
unpreparedforitsdifficultiesorsent,asagreateffortofgenerosity,orfromsomeregardtopropriety,witha
smallstipend,andanuncultivatedmindintojoylesssolitude.
Thesetwowomenmaybemuchuponapar,withrespecttoreasonandhumanityandchangingsituations,
mighthaveactedjustthesameselfishpartbuthadtheybeendifferentlyeducated,thecasewouldalsohave
beenverydifferent.Thewifewouldnothavehadthatsensibility,ofwhichselfisthecentre,andreason
mighthavetaughthernottoexpect,andnoteventobeflatteredbytheaffectionofherhusband,ifitledhim
toviolatepriorduties.Shewouldwishnottolovehim,merelybecausehelovedher,butonaccountofhis
virtuesandthesistermighthavebeenabletostruggleforherself,insteadofeatingthebitterbreadof
dependence.

Iam,indeed,persuadedthattheheart,aswellastheunderstanding,isopenedbycultivationandby,which
maynotappearsoclear,strengtheningtheorgansIamnotnowtalkingofmomentaryflashesofsensibility,
butofaffections.And,perhaps,intheeducationofbothsexes,themostdifficulttaskissotoadjust
instructionasnottonarrowtheunderstanding,whilsttheheartiswarmedbythegenerousjuicesofspring,
justraisedbytheelectricfermentationoftheseasonnortodryupthefeelingsbyemployingthemindin
investigationsremotefromlife.

Withrespecttowomen,whentheyreceiveacarefuleducation,theyareeithermadefineladies,brimfulof
sensibility,andteemingwithcapriciousfanciesormerenotablewomen.Thelatterareoftenfriendly,honest
creatures,andhaveashrewdkindofgoodsensejoinedwithworldlyprudence,thatoftenrenderthemmore
usefulmembersofsocietythanthefinesentimentallady,thoughtheypossessneithergreatnessofmindnor
taste.Theintellectualworldisshutagainstthemtakethemoutoftheirfamilyorneighbourhood,andthey
standstillthemindfindingnoemployment,forliteratureaffordsafundofamusement,whichtheyhave
neversoughttorelish,butfrequentlytodespise.Thesentimentsandtasteofmorecultivatedmindsappear
ridiculous,eveninthosewhomchanceandfamilyconnexionshaveledthemtolovebutinmere
acquaintancetheythinkitallaffectation.

Amanofsensecanonlylovesuchawomanonaccountofhersex,andrespecther,becausesheisatrusty
servant.Heletsher,topreservehisownpeace,scoldtheservants,andgotochurchinclothesmadeofthe
verybestmaterials.Amanofherownsizeofunderstandingwould,probably,notagreesowellwithherfor
hemightwishtoencroachonherprerogative,andmanagesomedomesticconcernshimself.Yetwomen,
whosemindsarenotenlargedbycultivation,orthenaturalselfishnessofsensibilityexpandedbyreflection,
areveryunfittomanageafamilyforbyanunduestretchofpower,theyarealwaystyrannizingtosupporta
superioritythatonlyrestsonthearbitrarydistinctionoffortune.Theevilissometimesmoreserious,and
domesticsaredeprivedofinnocentindulgences,andmadetoworkbeyondtheirstrength,inordertoenable
thenotablewomantokeepabettertable,andoutshineherneighboursinfineryandparade.Ifsheattendto
herchildren,itis,ingeneral,todresstheminacostlymannerand,whether,thisattentionarisesfrom
vanityorfondness,itisequallypernicious.

Besides,howmanywomenofthisdescriptionpasstheirdays,or,atleasttheirevenings,discontentedly.
Theirhusbandsacknowledgethattheyaregoodmanagers,andchastewivesbutleavehometoseekfor
moreagreeable,mayIbeallowedtouseasignificantFrenchword,piquantsocietyandthepatientdrudge,
whofulfilshertask,likeablindhorseinamill,isdefraudedofherjustrewardforthewagesduetoherare
thecaressesofherhusbandandwomenwhohavesofewresourcesinthemselves,donotverypatientlybear
thisprivationofanaturalright.

Afinelady,onthecontrary,hasbeentaughttolookdownwithcontemptonthevulgaremploymentsoflife
thoughshehasonlybeenincitedtoacquireaccomplishmentsthatriseadegreeabovesenseforeven
corporealaccomplishmentscannotbeacquiredwithanydegreeofprecision,unlesstheunderstandinghas
beenstrengthenedbyexercise.Withoutafoundationofprinciplestasteissuperficialandgracemustarise
fromsomethingdeeperthanimitation.Theimagination,however,isheated,andthefeelingsrendered
fastidious,ifnotsophisticatedor,acounterpoiseofjudgmentisnotacquired,whentheheartstillremains
artless,thoughitbecomestootender.

Thesewomenareoftenamiableandtheirheartsarereallymoresensibletogeneralbenevolence,morealive
tothesentimentsthatcivilizelife,thanthesquareelbowedfamilydrudgebut,wantingadueproportionof
reflectionandselfgovernment,theyonlyinspireloveandarethemistressesoftheirhusbands,whilstthey
haveanyholdontheiraffectionsandtheplatonicfriendsofhismaleacquaintance.Thesearethefairdefects
innaturethewomenwhoappeartobecreatednottoenjoythefellowshipofman,buttosavehimfrom
sinkingintoabsolutebrutality,byrubbingofftheroughanglesofhischaracterandbyplayfuldallianceto
givesomedignitytotheappetitethatdrawshimtothem.GraciousCreatorofthewholehumanrace!hast
thoucreatedsuchabeingaswoman,whocantracethywisdominthyworks,andfeelthatthoualoneartby
thynature,exaltedaboveherfornobetterpurpose?Canshebelievethatshewasonlymadetosubmitto
manherequalabeing,who,likeher,wassentintotheworldtoacquirevirtue?Cansheconsenttobe
occupiedmerelytopleasehimmerelytoadorntheearth,whenhersouliscapableofrisingtothee?Andcan
sherestsupinelydependentonmanforreason,whensheoughttomountwithhimthearduoussteepsof
knowledge?

Yet,iflovebethesupremegood,letwomenbeonlyeducatedtoinspireit,andleteverycharmbepolishedto
intoxicatethesensesbut,iftheyaremoralbeings,letthemhaveachancetobecomeintelligentandletlove
tomanbeonlyapartofthatglowingflameofuniversallove,which,afterencirclinghumanity,mountsin
gratefulincensetoGod.

Tofulfildomesticdutiesmuchresolutionisnecessary,andaseriouskindofperseverancethatrequiresa
morefirmsupportthanemotions,howeverlivelyandtruetonature.Togiveanexampleoforder,thesoulof
virtue,someausterityofbehaviourmustbeadopted,scarcelytobeexpectedfromabeingwho,fromits
infancy,hasbeenmadetheweathercockofitsownsensations.Whoeverrationallymeanstobeuseful,must
haveaplanofconductand,inthedischargeofthesimplestduty,weareoftenobligedtoactcontrarytothe
presentimpulseoftendernessorcompassion.Severityisfrequentlythemostcertain,aswellasthemost
sublimeproofofaffectionandthewantofthispoweroverthefeelings,andofthatlofty,dignifiedaffection,
whichmakesapersonpreferthefuturegoodofthebelovedobjecttoapresentgratification,isthereason
whysomanyfondmothersspoiltheirchildren,andhasmadeitquestionable,whethernegligenceor
indulgenceismosthurtful:butIaminclinedtothink,thatthelatterhasdonemostharm.

Mankindseemtoagree,thatchildrenshouldbeleftunderthemanagementofwomenduringtheirchildhood.
Now,fromalltheobservationthatIhavebeenabletomake,womenofsensibilityarethemostunfitforthis
task,becausetheywillinfallibly,carriedawaybytheirfeelings,spoilachild'stemper.Themanagementof
thetemper,thefirstandmostimportantbranchofeducation,requiresthesobersteadyeyeofreasonaplan
ofconductequallydistantfromtyrannyandindulgenceyetthesearetheextremesthatpeopleofsensibility
alternatelyfallintoalwaysshootingbeyondthemark.Ihavefollowedthistrainofreasoningmuchfurther,
tillIhaveconcluded,thatapersonofgeniusisthemostimproperpersontobeemployedineducation,public
orprivate.Mindsofthisrarespeciesseethingstoomuchinmasses,andseldom,ifever,haveagoodtemper.
Thathabitualcheerfulness,termedgoodhumour,is,perhaps,asseldomunitedwithgreatmentalpowers,as
withstrongfeelings.Andthosepeoplewhofollow,withinterestandadmiration,theflightsofgeniusor,
withcoolerapprobationsuckintheinstruction,whichhasbeenelaboratelypreparedforthembythe
profoundthinker,oughtnottobedisgusted,iftheyfindtheformercholeric,andthelattermorosebecause
livelinessoffancy,andatenaciouscomprehensionofmind,arescarcelycompatiblewiththatplianturbanity
whichleadsaman,atleasttobendtotheopinionsandprejudicesofothers,insteadofroughlyconfronting
them.

But,treatingofeducationormanners,mindsofasuperiorclassarenottobeconsidered,theymaybeleftto
chanceitisthemultitude,withmoderateabilities,whocallforinstruction,andcatchthecolourofthe
atmospheretheybreathe.Thisrespectableconcourse,Icontend,menandwomen,shouldnothavetheir
sensationsheightenedinthehotbedofluxuriousindolence,attheexpenceoftheirunderstandingfor,unless
therebeaballastofunderstanding,theywillneverbecomeeithervirtuousorfree:anaristocracy,foundedon
property,orsterlingtalents,willeversweepbeforeit,thealternatelytimidandferociousslavesoffeeling.

Numberlessarethearguments,totakeanotherviewofthesubject,broughtforwardwithashowofreason
becausesupposedtobededucedfromnature,thatmenhaveusedmorallyandphysicallytodegradethesex.
Imustnoticeafew.

Thefemaleunderstandinghasoftenbeenspokenofwithcontempt,asarrivingsooneratmaturitythanthe
male.Ishallnotanswerthisargumentbyalludingtotheearlyproofsofreason,aswellasgenius,inCowley,
Milton,andPope,(Manyothernamesmightbeadded.)butonlyappealtoexperiencetodecidewhether
youngmen,whoareearlyintroducedintocompany(andexamplesnowabound)donotacquirethesame
precocity.Sonotoriousisthisfact,thatthebarementioningofitmustbringbeforepeople,whoatallmixin
theworld,theideaofanumberofswaggeringapesofmenwhoseunderstandingsarenarrowedbybeing
broughtintothesocietyofmenwhentheyoughttohavebeenspinningatoportwirlingahoop.
Ithasalsobeenasserted,bysomenaturalists,thatmendonotattaintheirfullgrowthandstrengthtillthirty
butthatwomenarriveatmaturitybytwenty.Iapprehendthattheyreasononfalseground,ledastraybythe
maleprejudice,whichdeemsbeautytheperfectionofwomanmerebeautyoffeaturesandcomplexion,the
vulgaracceptationoftheworld,whilstmalebeautyisallowedtohavesomeconnexionwiththemind.
Strengthofbody,andthatcharacterofcountenance,whichtheFrenchtermaphysionomie,womendonot
acquirebeforethirty,anymorethanmen.Thelittleartlesstricksofchildren,itistrue,areparticularly
pleasingandattractiveyet,whentheprettyfreshnessofyouthiswornoff,theseartlessgracesbecome
studiedairs,anddisgusteverypersonoftaste.Inthecountenanceofgirlsweonlylookforvivacityand
bashfulmodestybut,thespringtideoflifeover,welookforsoberersenseintheface,andfortracesof
passion,insteadofthedimplesofanimalspiritsexpectingtoseeindividualityofcharacter,theonlyfastener
oftheaffections.Wethenwishtoconverse,nottofondletogivescopetoourimaginations,aswellastothe
sensationsofourhearts.

Attwentythebeautyofbothsexesisequalbutthelibertinismofmanleadshimtomakethedistinction,and
superannuatedcoquettesarecommonlyofthesameopinionforwhentheycannolongerinspirelove,they
payforthevigourandvivacityofyouth.TheFrenchwhoadmitmoreofmindintotheirnotionsofbeauty,
givethepreferencetowomenofthirty.Imeantosay,thattheyallowwomentobeintheirmostperfectstate,
whenvivacitygivesplacetoreason,andtothatmajesticseriousnessofcharacter,whichmarksmaturityor,
therestingpoint.Inyouth,tilltwentythebodyshootsouttillthirtythesolidsareattainingadegreeof
densityandtheflexiblemuscles,growingdailymorerigid,givecharactertothecountenancethatis,they
tracetheoperationsofthemindwiththeironpenoffate,andtellusnotonlywhatpowersarewithin,but
howtheyhavebeenemployed.

Itispropertoobserve,thatanimalswhoarriveslowlyatmaturity,arethelongestlived,andofthenoblest
species.Mencannot,however,claimanynaturalsuperiorityfromthegrandeuroflongevityforinthis
respectnaturehasnotdistinguishedthemale.

Polygamyisanotherphysicaldegradationandaplausibleargumentforacustom,thatblastseverydomestic
virtue,isdrawnfromthewellattestedfact,thatinthecountrieswhereitisestablished,morefemalesare
bornthanmales.Thisappearstobeanindicationofnature,andtonatureapparentlyreasonablespeculations
mustyield.Afurtherconclusionobviouslypresentsitselfifpolygamybenecessary,womanmustbeinferior
toman,andmadeforhim.

Withrespecttotheformationofthefoetusinthewomb,weareveryignorantbutitappearstomeprobable,
thatanaccidentalphysicalcausemayaccountforthisphenomenon,andproveitnottobealawofnature.I
havemetwithsomepertinentobservationsonthesubjectinForster'sAccountoftheIslesoftheSouthSea,
thatwillexplainmymeaning.Afterobservingthatofthetwosexesamongstanimals,themostvigorousand
hottestconstitutionalwaysprevails,andproducesitskindheadds,"Ifthisbeappliedtotheinhabitantsof
Africa,itisevidentthatthementhere,accustomedtopolygamy,areenervatedbytheuseofsomany
women,andthereforelessvigorousthewomenonthecontrary,areofahotterconstitution,notonlyon
accountoftheirmoreirritablenerves,moresensitiveorganization,andmorelivelyfancybutlikewise
becausetheyaredeprivedintheirmatrimonyofthatshareofphysicallovewhichinamonogamous
condition,wouldallbetheirsandthusfortheabovereasons,thegeneralityofchildrenarebornfemales."

"InthegreaterpartofEuropeithasbeenprovedbythemostaccuratelistsofmortality,thattheproportionof
mentowomenisnearlyequal,or,ifanydifferencetakesplace,themalesbornaremorenumerous,inthe
proportionof105to100."

Thenecessityofpolygamy,therefore,doesnotappearyetwhenamanseducesawoman,itshouldIthink,
betermedaLEFTHANDEDmarriage,andthemanshouldbeLEGALLYobligedtomaintainthewoman
andherchildren,unlessadultery,anaturaldivorcement,abrogatedthelaw.Andthislawshouldremainin
forceaslongastheweaknessofwomencausedthewordseductiontobeusedasanexcusefortheirfrailty
andwantofprinciplenay,whiletheydependonmanforasubsistence,insteadofearningitbytheexercise
oftheirownhandsorheads.Butthesewomenshouldnotinthefullmeaningoftherelationship,betermed
wives,ortheverypurposeofmarriagewouldbesubverted,andallthoseendearingcharitiesthatflowfrom
personalfidelity,andgiveasanctitytothetie,whenneitherlovenorfriendshipunitesthehearts,wouldmelt
intoselfishness.Thewomanwhoisfaithfultothefatherofherchildrendemandsrespect,andshouldnotbe
treatedlikeaprostitutethoughIreadilygrant,thatifitbenecessaryforamanandwomantolivetogetherin
ordertobringuptheiroffspring,natureneverintendedthatamanshouldhavemorethanonewife.

Still,highlyasIrespectmarriage,asthefoundationofalmosteverysocialvirtue,Icannotavoidfeelingthe
mostlivelycompassionforthoseunfortunatefemaleswhoarebrokenofffromsociety,andbyoneerrortorn
fromallthoseaffectionsandrelationshipsthatimprovetheheartandmind.Itdoesnotfrequentlyeven
deservethenameoferrorformanyinnocentgirlsbecomethedupesofasincereaffectionateheart,andstill
moreare,asitmayemphaticallybetermed,RUINEDbeforetheyknowthedifferencebetweenvirtueand
vice:andthuspreparedbytheireducationforinfamy,theybecomeinfamous.AsylumsandMagdalensare
nottheproperremediesfortheseabuses.Itisjustice,notcharity,thatiswantingintheworld!

Awomanwhohaslostherhonour,imaginesthatshecannotfalllower,andasforrecoveringherformer
station,itisimpossiblenoexertioncanwashthisstainaway.Losingthuseveryspur,andhavingnoother
meansofsupport,prostitutionbecomesheronlyrefuge,andthecharacterisquicklydepravedby
circumstancesoverwhichthepoorwretchhaslittlepower,unlessshepossessesanuncommonportionof
senseandloftinessofspirit.Necessitynevermakesprostitutionthebusinessofmen'slivesthough
numberlessarethewomenwhoarethusrenderedsystematicallyvicious.This,however,arises,inagreat
degree,fromthestateofidlenessinwhichwomenareeducated,whoarealwaystaughttolookuptomanfor
amaintenance,andtoconsidertheirpersonsastheproperreturnforhisexertionstosupportthem.
Meretriciousairs,andthewholescienceofwantonness,hasthenamorepowerfulstimulusthaneither
appetiteorvanityandthisremarkgivesforcetotheprevailingopinion,thatwithchastityallislostthatis
respectableinwoman.Hercharacterdependsontheobservanceofonevirtue,thoughtheonlypassion
fosteredinherheartislove.Naythehonourofawomanisnotmadeeventodependonherwill.

WhenRichardsonmakesClarissatellLovelacethathehadrobbedherofherhonour,hemusthavehad
strangenotionsofhonourandvirtue.For,miserablebeyondallnamesofmiseryistheconditionofabeing,
whocouldbedegradedwithoutitsownconsent!ThisexcessofstrictnessIhaveheardvindicatedasa
salutaryerror.IshallanswerinthewordsofLeibnitz"Errorsareoftenusefulbutitiscommonlyto
remedyothererrors."

Mostoftheevilsoflifearisefromadesireofpresentenjoymentthatoutrunsitself.Theobediencerequired
ofwomeninthemarriagestate,comesunderthisdescriptionthemind,naturallyweakenedbydependingon
authority,neverexertsitsownpowers,andtheobedientwifeisthusrenderedaweakindolentmother.Or,
supposingthatthisisnotalwaystheconsequence,afuturestateofexistenceisscarcelytakenintothe
reckoningwhenonlynegativevirtuesarecultivated.Forintreatingofmorals,particularlywhenwomenare
alludedto,writershavetoooftenconsideredvirtueinaverylimitedsense,andmadethefoundationofit
SOLELYworldlyutilitynay,astillmorefragilebasehasbeengiventothisstupendousfabric,andthe
waywardfluctuatingfeelingsofmenhavebeenmadethestandardofvirtue.Yes,virtueaswellasreligion,
hasbeensubjectedtothedecisionsoftaste.

Itwouldalmostprovokeasmileofcontempt,ifthevainabsurditiesofmandidnotstrikeusonallsides,to
observe,howeagermenaretodegradethesexfromwhomtheypretendtoreceivethechiefpleasureoflife
andIhavefrequently,withfullconviction,retortedPope'ssarcasmonthemor,tospeakexplicitly,ithas
appearedtomeapplicabletothewholehumanrace.Aloveofpleasureorswayseemstodividemankind,
andthehusbandwholordsitinhislittleharem,thinksonlyofhispleasureorhisconvenience.Tosuch
lengths,indeed,doesanintemperateloveofpleasurecarrysomeprudentmen,orwornoutlibertines,who
marrytohaveasafecompanion,thattheyseducetheirownwives.Hymenbanishesmodesty,andchastelove
takesitsflight.

Love,consideredasananimalappetite,cannotlongfeedonitselfwithoutexpiring.Andthisextinction,inits
ownflame,maybetermedtheviolentdeathoflove.Butthewifewhohasthusbeenrenderedlicentious,will
probablyendeavourtofillthevoidleftbythelossofherhusband'sattentionsforshecannotcontentedly
becomemerelyanupperservantafterhavingbeentreatedlikeagoddess.Sheisstillhandsome,and,instead
oftransferringherfondnesstoherchildren,sheonlydreamsofenjoyingthesunshineoflife.Besides,there
aremanyhusbandssodevoidofsenseandparentalaffection,thatduringthefirsteffervescenceof
voluptuousfondness,theyrefusetolettheirwivessuckletheirchildren.Theyareonlytodressandliveto
pleasethem:andlove,eveninnocentlove,soonsinksintolasciviousnesswhentheexerciseofadutyis
sacrificedtoitsindulgence.
Personalattachmentisaveryhappyfoundationforfriendshipyet,wheneventwovirtuousyoungpeople
marry,itwould,perhaps,behappyifsomecircumstancecheckedtheirpassioniftherecollectionofsome
priorattachment,ordisappointedaffection,madeitononeside,atleast,ratheramatchfoundedonesteem.
Inthatcasetheywouldlookbeyondthepresentmoment,andtrytorenderthewholeofliferespectable,by
formingaplantoregulateafriendshipwhichonlydeathoughttodissolve.

Friendshipisaseriousaffectionthemostsublimeofallaffections,becauseitisfoundedonprinciple,and
cementedbytime.Theveryreversemaybesaidoflove.Inagreatdegree,loveandfriendshipcannotsubsist
inthesamebosomevenwheninspiredbydifferentobjectstheyweakenordestroyeachother,andforthe
sameobjectcanonlybefeltinsuccession.Thevainfearsandfondjealousies,thewindswhichfantheflame
oflove,whenjudiciouslyorartfullytempered,arebothincompatiblewiththetenderconfidenceandsincere
respectoffriendship.

Love,suchastheglowingpenofgeniushastraced,existsnotonearth,oronlyresidesinthoseexalted,
fervidimaginationsthathavesketchedsuchdangerouspictures.Dangerous,becausetheynotonlyafforda
plausibleexcusetothevoluptuary,whodisguisessheersensualityunderasentimentalveilbutasthey
spreadaffectation,andtakefromthedignityofvirtue.Virtue,astheverywordimports,shouldhavean
appearanceofseriousness,ifnotausterityandtoendeavourtotrickheroutinthegarbofpleasure,because
theepithethasbeenusedasanothernameforbeauty,istoexaltheronaquicksandamostinsidiousattempt
tohastenherfallbyapparentrespect.Virtue,andpleasurearenot,infact,sonearlyalliedinthislifeassome
eloquentwritershavelabouredtoprove.Pleasurepreparesthefadingwreath,andmixestheintoxicatingcup
butthefruitwhichvirtuegives,istherecompenceoftoil:and,graduallyseenasitripens,onlyaffordscalm
satisfactionnay,appearingtobetheresultofthenaturaltendencyofthings,itisscarcelyobserved.Bread,
thecommonfoodoflife,seldomthoughtofasablessing,supportstheconstitution,andpreserveshealth
stillfeastsdelighttheheartofman,thoughdiseaseandevendeathlurkinthecupordaintythatelevatesthe
spiritsorticklesthepalate.Thelivelyheatedimaginationinthesamestyle,drawsthepictureoflove,asit
drawseveryotherpicture,withthoseglowingcolours,whichthedaringhandwillstealfromtherainbowthat
isdirectedbyamind,condemned,inaworldlikethis,toproveitsnobleorigin,bypantingafterunattainable
perfectioneverpursuingwhatitacknowledgestobeafleetingdream.Animaginationofthisvigorouscast
cangiveexistencetoinsubstantialforms,andstabilitytotheshadowyreverieswhichthemindnaturallyfalls
intowhenrealitiesarefoundvapid.Itcanthendepictlovewithcelestialcharms,anddoteonthegrandideal
objectitcanimagineadegreeofmutualaffectionthatshallrefinethesoul,andnotexpirewhenithas
servedasa"scaletoheavenly"and,likedevotion,makeitabsorbeverymeaneraffectionanddesire.Ineach
other'sarms,asinatemple,withitssummitlostintheclouds,theworldistobeshutout,andeverythought
andwish,thatdonotnurturepureaffectionandpermanentvirtue.Permanentvirtue!alas!Rousseau,
respectablevisionary!thyparadisewouldsoonbeviolatedbytheentranceofsomeunexpectedguest.Like
Milton's,itwouldonlycontainangels,ormensunkbelowthedignityofrationalcreatures.Happinessisnot
material,itcannotbeseenorfelt!Yettheeagerpursuitofthegoodwhicheveryoneshapestohisownfancy,
proclaimsmanthelordofthislowerworld,andtobeanintelligentialcreature,whoisnottoreceive,but
acquirehappiness.They,therefore,whocomplainofthedelusionsofpassion,donotrecollectthattheyare
exclaimingagainstastrongproofoftheimmortalityofthesoul.

But,leavingsuperiormindstocorrectthemselves,andpaydearlyfortheirexperience,itisnecessaryto
observe,thatitisnotagainststrong,perseveringpassionsbutromantic,waveringfeelings,thatIwishto
guardthefemaleheartbyexercisingtheunderstandingfortheseparadisiacalreveriesareoftenertheeffect
ofidlenessthanofalivelyfancy.

Womenhaveseldomsufficientseriousemploymenttosilencetheirfeelingsaroundoflittlecares,orvain
pursuits,fritteringawayallstrengthofmindandorgans,theybecomenaturallyonlyobjectsofsense.In
short,thewholetenoroffemaleeducation(theeducationofsociety)tendstorenderthebestdisposed,
romanticandinconstantandtheremaindervainandmean.Inthepresentstateofsociety,thisevilcan
scarcelyberemedied,Iamafraid,intheslightestdegreeshouldamorelaudableambitionevergainground,
theymaybebroughtnearertonatureandreason,andbecomemorevirtuousandusefulastheygrowmore
respectable.

ButIwillventuretoassert,thattheirreasonwillneveracquiresufficientstrengthtoenableittoregulatetheir
conduct,whilstthemakinganappearanceintheworldisthefirstwishofthemajorityofmankind.Tothis
weakwishthenaturalaffectionsandthemostusefulvirtuesaresacrificed.GirlsmarrymerelytoBETTER
THEMSELVES,toborrowasignificantvulgarphrase,andhavesuchperfectpowerovertheirheartsasnot
topermitthemselvestoFALLINLOVEtillamanwithasuperiorfortuneoffers.OnthissubjectImeanto
enlargeinafuturechapteritisonlynecessarytodropahintatpresent,becausewomenaresooften
degradedbysufferingtheselfishprudenceofagetochilltheardourofyouth.

>Fromthesamesourceflowsanopinionthatyounggirlsoughttodedicategreatpartoftheirtimetoneedle
workyet,thisemploymentcontractstheirfacultiesmorethananyotherthatcouldhavebeenchosenfor
them,byconfiningtheirthoughtstotheirpersons.Menordertheirclothestobemade,andhavedonewith
thesubjectwomenmaketheirownclothes,necessaryorornamental,andarecontinuallytalkingaboutthem
andtheirthoughtsfollowtheirhands.Itisnotindeedthemakingofnecessariesthatweakensthemindbut
thefripperyofdress.Forwhenawomaninthelowerrankoflifemakesherhusband'sandchildren'sclothes,
shedoesherduty,thisispartofherbusinessbutwhenwomenworkonlytodressbetterthantheycould
otherwiseafford,itisworsethansheerlossoftime.Torenderthepoorvirtuous,theymustbeemployed,and
womeninthemiddlerankoflifedidtheynotapethefashionsofthenobility,withoutcatchingtheirease,
mightemploythem,whilsttheythemselvesmanagedtheirfamilies,instructedtheirchildren,andexercised
theirownminds.Gardening,experimentalphilosophy,andliterature,wouldaffordthemsubjectstothinkof,
andmatterforconversation,thatinsomedegreewouldexercisetheirunderstandings.Theconversationof
Frenchwomen,whoarenotsorigidlynailedtotheirchairs,totwistlappets,andknotribbands,isfrequently
superficialbut,Icontend,thatitisnothalfsoinsipidasthatofthoseEnglishwomen,whosetimeisspentin
makingcaps,bonnets,andthewholemischiefoftrimmings,nottomentionshopping,bargainhunting,etc.
etc.:anditisthedecent,prudentwomen,whoaremostdegradedbythesepracticesfortheirmotiveis
simplyvanity.Thewanton,whoexerciseshertastetorenderherpersonalluring,hassomethingmorein
view.

Theseobservationsallbranchoutofageneralone,whichIhavebeforemade,andwhichcannotbetoooften
insistedupon,for,speakingofmen,women,orprofessions,itwillbefound,thattheemploymentofthe
thoughtsshapesthecharacterbothgenerallyandindividually.Thethoughtsofwomeneverhoveraround
theirpersons,andisitsurprisingthattheirpersonsarereckonedmostvaluable?Yetsomedegreeoflibertyof
mindisnecessaryeventoformthepersonandthismaybeonereasonwhysomegentlewiveshavesofew
attractionsbesidethatofsex.Addtothis,sedentaryemploymentsrenderthemajorityofwomensickly,and
falsenotionsoffemaleexcellencemakethemproudofthisdelicacy,thoughitbeanotherfetter,thatby
callingtheattentioncontinuallytothebody,crampstheactivityofthemind.

Womenofqualityseldomdoanyofthemanualpartoftheirdress,consequentlyonlytheirtasteisexercised,
andtheyacquire,bythinkinglessofthefinery,whenthebusinessoftheirtoiletisover,thatease,which
seldomappearsinthedeportmentofwomen,whodressmerelyforthesakeofdressing.Infact,the
observationwithrespecttothemiddlerank,theoneinwhichtalentsthrivebest,extendsnottowomenfor
thoseofthesuperiorclass,bycatching,atleastasmatteringofliterature,andconversingmorewithmen,on
generaltopics,acquiremoreknowledgethanthewomenwhoapetheirfashionsandfaultswithoutsharing
theiradvantages.Withrespecttovirtue,tousethewordinacomprehensivesense,Ihaveseenmostinlow
life.Manypoorwomenmaintaintheirchildrenbythesweatoftheirbrow,andkeeptogetherfamiliesthatthe
vicesofthefatherswouldhavescatteredabroadbutgentlewomenaretooindolenttobeactivelyvirtuous,
andaresoftenedratherthanrefinedbycivilization.IndeedthegoodsensewhichIhavemetwithamongthe
poorwomenwhohavehadfewadvantagesofeducation,andyethaveactedheroically,stronglyconfirmed
meintheopinion,thattriflingemploymentshaverenderedwomenatrifler.Men,takingher('Itakeher
body,'saysRanger.)body,themindislefttorustsothatwhilephysicalloveenervatesman,asbeinghis
favouriterecreation,hewillendeavourtoenslavewoman:andwhocantellhowmanygenerationsmaybe
necessarytogivevigourtothevirtueandtalentsofthefreedposterityofabjectslaves?('Supposingthat
womenarevoluntaryslavesslaveryofanykindisunfavourabletohumanhappinessand
improvement.''Knox'sEssays'.)

Intracingthecausesthatinmyopinion,havedegradedwoman,Ihaveconfinedmyobservationstosuchas
universallyactuponthemoralsandmannersofthewholesex,andtomeitappearsclear,thattheyallspring
fromwantofunderstanding.Whetherthisarisesfromaphysicaloraccidentalweaknessoffaculties,time
alonecandetermineforIshallnotlayanygreatstressupontheexampleofafewwomen(Sappho,Eloisa,
Mrs.Macaulay,theEmpressofRussia,Madamed'Eon,etc.These,andmanymore,maybereckoned
exceptionsand,arenotallheroes,aswellasheroines,exceptionstogeneralrules?Iwishtoseewomen
neitherheroinesnorbrutesbutreasonablecreatures.)who,fromhavingreceivedamasculineeducation,
haveacquiredcourageandresolutionIonlycontendthatthemenwhohavebeenplacedinsimilarsituations
haveacquiredasimilarcharacter,Ispeakofbodiesofmen,andthatmenofgeniusandtalentshavestarted
outofaclass,inwhichwomenhaveneveryetbeenplaced.

CHAPTER5.

ANIMADVERSIONSONSOMEOFTHEWRITERSWHOHAVERENDEREDWOMENOBJECTSOFPITY,
BORDERINGONCONTEMPT.

Theopinionsspeciouslysupported,insomemodernpublicationsonthefemalecharacter,andeducation,
whichhavegiventhetonetomostoftheobservationsmade,inamorecursorymanner,onthesex,remain
nowtobeexamined.

SECTION5.1.

IshallbeginwithRousseau,andgiveasketchofthecharacterofwomeninhisownwords,interspersing
commentsandreflections.Mycomments,itistrue,willallspringfromafewsimpleprinciples,andmight
havebeendeducedfromwhatIhavealreadysaidbuttheartificialstructurehasbeenraisedwithsomuch
ingenuity,thatitseemsnecessarytoattackitinamorecircumstantialmanner,andmaketheapplication
myself.

Sophia,saysRousseau,shouldbeasperfectawomanasEmiliusisaman,andtorenderherso,itis
necessarytoexaminethecharacterwhichnaturehasgiventothesex.

Hethenproceedstoprove,thatwomenoughttobeweakandpassive,becauseshehaslessbodilystrength
thanmanandfromhenceinfers,thatshewasformedtopleaseandtobesubjecttohimandthatitisher
dutytorenderherselfAGREEABLEtohermasterthisbeingthegrandendofherexistence.

Supposingwomentohavebeenformedonlytoplease,andbesubjecttoman,theconclusionisjust,she
oughttosacrificeeveryotherconsiderationtorenderherselfagreeabletohim:andletthisbrutaldesireof
selfpreservationbethegrandspringofallheractions,whenitisprovedtobetheironbedoffate,tofit
which,hercharactershouldbestretchedorcontracted,regardlessofallmoralorphysicaldistinctions.Butif,
asIthinkmaybedemonstrated,thepurposesofeventhislife,viewingthewhole,aresubvertedbypractical
rulesbuiltuponthisignoblebase,Imaybeallowedtodoubtwhetherwomanwascreatedforman:and
thoughthecryofirreligion,orevenatheismberaisedagainstme,Iwillsimplydeclare,thatwereanangel
fromheaventotellmethatMoses'sbeautiful,poeticalcosmogony,andtheaccountofthefallofman,were
literallytrue,IcouldnotbelievewhatmyreasontoldmewasderogatorytothecharacteroftheSupreme
Being:and,havingnofearofthedevilbeforemineeyes,Iventuretocallthisasuggestionofreason,instead
ofrestingmyweaknessonthebroadshouldersofthefirstseducerofmyfrailsex.

"Itbeingoncedemonstrated,"continuesRousseau,"thatmanandwomanarenot,noroughttobe,
constitutedalikeintemperamentandcharacter,itfollowsofcourse,thattheyshouldnotbeeducatedinthe
samemanner.Inpursuingthedirectionsofnature,theyoughtindeedtoactinconcert,buttheyshouldnotbe
engagedinthesameemployments:theendoftheirpursuitsshouldbethesame,butthemeanstheyshould
taketoaccomplishthem,and,ofconsequence,theirtastesandinclinationsshouldbedifferent."(Rousseau's
'Emilius',Volume3page176.)

"Girlsarefromtheirearliestinfancyfondofdress.Notcontentwithbeingpretty,theyaredesirousofbeing
thoughtsowesee,byalltheirlittleairs,thatthisthoughtengagestheirattentionandtheyarehardly
capableofunderstandingwhatissaidtothem,beforetheyaretobegovernedbytalkingtothemofwhat
peoplewillthinkoftheirbehaviour.Thesamemotive,however,indiscreetlymadeuseofwithboys,hasnot
thesameeffect:providedtheyarelettopursuetheiramusementsatpleasure,theycareverylittlewhat
peoplethinkofthem.Timeandpainsarenecessarytosubjectboystothismotive.

"Whencesoevergirlsderivethisfirstlessonitisaverygoodone.Asthebodyisborn,inamannerbeforethe
soul,ourfirstconcernshouldbetocultivatetheformerthisorderiscommontobothsexes,buttheobjectof
thatcultivationisdifferent.Intheonesexitisthedevelopementofcorporealpowersintheother,thatof
personalcharms:notthateitherthequalityofstrengthorbeautyoughttobeconfinedexclusivelytoonesex
butonlythattheorderofthecultivationofbothisinthatrespectreversed.Womencertainlyrequireasmuch
strengthastoenablethemtomoveandactgracefully,andmenasmuchaddressastoqualifythemtoact
withease."

**************

"Childrenofbothsexeshaveagreatmanyamusementsincommonandsotheyoughthavetheynotalso
manysuchwhentheyaregrownup?Eachsexhasalsoitspeculiartastetodistinguishinthisparticular.Boys
lovesportsofnoiseandactivitytobeatthedrum,towhipthetop,andtodragabouttheirlittlecarts:girls,
ontheotherhand,arefonderofthingsofshowandornamentsuchasmirrors,trinkets,anddollsthedollis
thepeculiaramusementofthefemalesfromwhenceweseetheirtasteplainlyadaptedtotheirdestination.
Thephysicalpartoftheartofpleasingliesindressandthisisallwhichchildrenarecapacitatedtocultivate
ofthatart."

**************

"Herethenweseeaprimarypropensityfirmlyestablished,whichyouneedonlytopursueandregulate.The
littlecreaturewilldoubtlessbeverydesiroustoknowhowtodressupherdoll,tomakeitssleeveknots,its
flounces,itsheaddress,etc.,sheisobligedtohavesomuchrecoursetothepeopleabouther,fortheir
assistanceinthesearticles,thatitwouldbemuchmoreagreeabletohertoowethemalltoherownindustry.
Hencewehaveagoodreasonforthefirstlessonswhichareusuallytaughttheseyoungfemales:inwhichwe
donotappeartobesettingthematask,butobligingthem,byinstructingtheminwhatisimmediatelyuseful
tothemselves.And,infact,almostallofthemlearnwithreluctancetoreadandwritebutveryreadilyapply
themselvestotheuseoftheirneedles.Theyimaginethemselvesalreadygrownup,andthinkwithpleasure
thatsuchqualificationswillenablethemtodecoratethemselves."

ThisiscertainlyonlyaneducationofthebodybutRousseauisnottheonlymanwhohasindirectlysaidthat
merelythepersonofayoungwoman,withoutanymind,unlessanimalspiritscomeunderthatdescription,is
verypleasing.Torenderitweak,andwhatsomemaycallbeautiful,theunderstandingisneglected,andgirls
forcedtositstill,playwithdolls,andlistentofoolishconversationstheeffectofhabitisinsisteduponasan
undoubtedindicationofnature.IknowitwasRousseau'sopinionthatthefirstyearsofyouthshouldbe
employedtoformthebody,thoughineducatingEmiliushedeviatesfromthisplanyetthedifference
betweenstrengtheningthebody,onwhichstrengthofmindinagreatmeasuredepends,andonlygivingitan
easymotion,isverywide.

Rousseau'sobservations,itispropertoremark,weremadeinacountrywheretheartofpleasingwasrefined
onlytoextractthegrossnessofvice.Hedidnotgobacktonature,orhisrulingappetitedisturbedthe
operationsofreason,elsehewouldnothavedrawnthesecrudeinferences.

InFrance,boysandgirls,particularlythelatter,areonlyeducatedtoplease,tomanagetheirpersons,and
regulatetheirexteriorbehaviourandtheirmindsarecorruptedataveryearlyage,bytheworldlyandpious
cautionstheyreceive,toguardthemagainstimmodesty.Ispeakofpasttimes.Theveryconfessionswhich
merechildrenareobligedtomake,andthequestionsaskedbytheholymenIassertthesefactsongood
authority,weresufficienttoimpressasexualcharacterandtheeducationofsocietywasaschoolofcoquetry
andart.Attheageoftenorelevennay,oftenmuchsooner,girlsbegantocoquet,andtalked,unreproved,of
establishingthemselvesintheworldbymarriage.

Inshort,theyweremadewomen,almostfromtheirverybirth,andcomplimentswerelistenedtoinsteadof
instruction.These,weakeningthemind,Naturewassupposedtohaveactedlikeastepmother,whenshe
formedthisafterthoughtofcreation.

Notallowingthemunderstanding,however,itwasbutconsistenttosubjectthemtoauthority,independentof
reasonandtopreparethemforthissubjection,hegivesthefollowingadvice:

"Girlsoughttobeactiveanddiligentnoristhatalltheyshouldalsobeearlysubjectedtorestraint.This
misfortune,ifitreallybeone,isinseparablefromtheirsexnordotheyeverthrowitoffbuttosuffermore
cruelevils.Theymustbesubject,alltheirlives,tothemostconstantandsevererestraint,whichisthatof
decorum:itis,therefore,necessarytoaccustomthemearlytosuchconfinement,thatitmaynotafterward
costthemtoodearandtothesuppressionoftheircaprices,thattheymaythemorereadilysubmittothewill
ofothers.If,indeed,theyarefondofbeingalwaysatwork,theyshouldbesometimescompelledtolayit
aside.Dissipation,levity,andinconstancy,arefaultsthatreadilyspringupfromtheirfirstpropensities,when
corruptedorpervertedbytoomuchindulgence.Topreventthisabuse,weshouldlearnthem,aboveall
things,tolayaduerestraintonthemselves.Thelifeofamodestwomanisreduced,byourabsurd
institutions,toaperpetualconflictwithherself:notbutitisjustthatthissexshouldpartakeofthesufferings
whicharisefromthoseevilsithathcausedus."

Andwhyisthelifeofamodestwomanaperpetualconflict?Ishouldanswer,thatthisverysystemof
educationmakesitso.Modesty,temperance,andselfdenial,arethesoberoffspringofreasonbutwhen
sensibilityisnurturedattheexpenseoftheunderstanding,suchweakbeingsmustberestrainedbyarbitrary
means,andbesubjectedtocontinualconflictsbutgivetheiractivityofmindawiderrange,andnobler
passionsandmotiveswillgoverntheirappetitesandsentiments.

"Thecommonattachmentandregardofamother,nay,merehabit,willmakeherbelovedbyherchildren,if
shedoesnothingtoincurtheirhate.Eventherestraintshelaysthemunder,ifwelldirected,willincrease
theiraffection,insteadoflesseningitbecauseastateofdependencebeingnaturaltothesex,theyperceive
themselvesformedforobedience."

Thisisbeggingthequestionforservitudenotonlydebasestheindividual,butitseffectsseemtobe
transmittedtoposterity.Consideringthelengthoftimethatwomenhavebeendependent,isitsurprisingthat
someofthemhugtheirchains,andfawnlikethespaniel?"Thesedogs,"observesanaturalist,"atfirstkept
theirearserectbutcustomhassupersedednature,andatokenoffearisbecomeabeauty."

"Forthesamereason,"addsRousseau,"womenhaveoroughttohave,butlittlelibertytheyareaptto
indulgethemselvesexcessivelyinwhatisallowedthem.Addictedineverythingtoextremes,theyareeven
moretransportedattheirdiversionsthanboys."

Theanswertothisisverysimple.Slavesandmobshavealwaysindulgedthemselvesinthesameexcesses,
whenoncetheybrokeloosefromauthority.Thebentbowrecoilswithviolence,whenthehandissuddenly
relaxedthatforciblyheldit:andsensibility,theplaythingofoutwardcircumstances,mustbesubjectedto
authority,ormoderatedbyreason.

"Thereresults,"hecontinues,"fromthishabitualrestraint,atractablenesswhichthewomenhaveoccasion
forduringtheirwholelives,astheyconstantlyremaineitherundersubjectiontothemen,ortotheopinions
ofmankindandareneverpermittedtosetthemselvesabovethoseopinions.Thefirstandmostimportant
qualificationinawomanisgoodnatureorsweetnessoftemperformedtoobeyabeingsoimperfectasman,
oftenfullofvices,andalwaysfulloffaults,sheoughttolearnbetimeseventosufferinjustice,andtobear
theinsultsofahusbandwithoutcomplaintitisnotforhissake,butherown,thatsheshouldbeofamild
disposition.Theperversenessandillnatureofthewomenonlyservetoaggravatetheirownmisfortunes,and
themisconductoftheirhusbandstheymightplainlyperceivethatsucharenotthearmsbywhichtheygain
thesuperiority."

Formedtolivewithsuchanimperfectbeingasman,theyoughttolearnfromtheexerciseoftheirfaculties
thenecessityofforbearancebutallthesacredrightsofhumanityareviolatedbyinsistingonblind
obedienceor,themostsacredrightsbelongONLYtoman.

Thebeingwhopatientlyenduresinjustice,andsilentlybearsinsults,willsoonbecomeunjust,orunableto
discernrightfromwrong.Besides,Idenythefact,thisisnotthetruewaytoformormelioratethetemper
for,asasex,menhavebettertempersthanwomen,becausetheyareoccupiedbypursuitsthatinterestthe
headaswellastheheartandthesteadinessoftheheadgivesahealthytemperaturetotheheart.Peopleof
sensibilityhaveseldomgoodtempers.Theformationofthetemperisthecoolworkofreason,when,aslife
advances,shemixeswithhappyart,jarringelements.Ineverknewaweakorignorantpersonwhohada
goodtemper,thoughthatconstitutionalgoodhumour,andthatdocility,whichfearstampsonthebehaviour,
oftenobtainsthename.Isaybehaviour,forgenuinemeeknessneverreachedtheheartormind,unlessasthe
effectofreflectionand,thatsimplerestraintproducesanumberofpeccanthumoursindomesticlife,many
sensiblemenwillallow,whofindsomeofthesegentleirritablecreatures,verytroublesomecompanions.
"Eachsex,"hefurtherargues,"shouldpreserveitspeculiartoneandmanner:ameekhusbandmaymakea
wifeimpertinentbutmildnessofdispositiononthewoman'ssidewillalwaysbringamanbacktoreason,at
leastifhebenotabsolutelyabrute,andwillsoonerorlatertriumphoverhim."True,themildnessofreason
butabjectfearalwaysinspirescontemptandtearsareonlyeloquentwhentheyflowdownfaircheeks.

Ofwhatmaterialscanthatheartbecomposed,whichcanmeltwheninsulted,andinsteadofrevoltingat
injustice,kisstherod?Isitunfairtoinfer,thathervirtueisbuiltonnarrowviewsandselfishness,whocan
caressaman,withtruefemininesoftness,theverymomentwhenhetreatshertyrannically?Naturenever
dictatedsuchinsincerityandthoughprudenceofthissortbetermedavirtue,moralitybecomesvaguewhen
anypartissupposedtorestonfalsehood.Thesearemereexpedients,andexpedientsareonlyusefulforthe
moment.

Letthehusbandbewareoftrustingtooimplicitlytothisservileobedienceforifhiswifecanwithwinning
sweetnesscaresshimwhenangry,andwhensheoughttobeangry,unlesscontempthadstifledanatural
effervescence,shemaydothesameafterpartingwithalover.Theseareallpreparationsforadulteryor,
shouldthefearoftheworld,orofhell,restrainherdesireofpleasingothermen,whenshecannolonger
pleaseherhusband,whatsubstitutecanbefoundbyabeingwhowasonlyformedbynatureandarttoplease
man?whatcanmakeheramendsforthisprivation,orwhereisshetoseekforafreshemployment?where
findsufficientstrengthofmindtodeterminetobeginthesearch,whenherhabitsarefixed,andvanityhas
longruledherchaoticmind?

Butthispartialmoralistrecommendscunningsystematicallyandplausibly.

"Daughtersshouldbealwayssubmissivetheirmothers,however,shouldnotbeinexorable.Tomakea
youngpersontractable,sheoughtnottobemadeunhappytomakehermodestsheoughtnottoberendered
stupid.Onthecontrary,Ishouldnotbedispleasedatherbeingpermittedtousesomeart,nottoelude
punishmentincaseofdisobedience,buttoexemptherselffromthenecessityofobeying.Itisnotnecessary
tomakeherdependenceburdensome,butonlytoletherfeelit.SubtiltyisatalentnaturaltothesexandasI
ampersuaded,allournaturalinclinationsarerightandgoodinthemselves,Iamofopinionthisshouldbe
cultivatedaswellastheothers:itisrequisiteforusonlytopreventitsabuse."

"Whateveris,isright,"hethenproceedstriumphantlytoinfer.Grantedyet,perhaps,noaphorismever
containedamoreparadoxicalassertion.ItisasolemntruthwithrespecttoGod.He,reverentiallyIspeak,
seesthewholeatonce,andsawitsjustproportionsinthewomboftimebutman,whocanonlyinspect
disjointedparts,findsmanythingswronganditisapartofthesystem,andthereforeright,thatheshould
endeavourtoalterwhatappearstohimtobeso,evenwhilehebowstothewisdomofhisCreator,and
respectsthedarknesshelabourstodisperse.

Theinferencethatfollowsisjust,supposingtheprincipletobesound:"Thesuperiorityofaddress,peculiar
tothefemalesex,isaveryequitableindemnificationfortheirinferiorityinpointofstrength:withoutthis,
womanwouldnotbethecompanionofmanbuthisslave:itisbyhersuperiourartandingenuitythatshe
preservesherequality,andgovernshimwhilesheaffectstoobey.Womanhaseverythingagainsther,aswell
ourfaultsasherowntimidityandweakness:shehasnothinginherfavour,buthersubtiltyandherbeauty.Is
itnotveryreasonable,therefore,sheshouldcultivateboth?"Greatnessofmindcanneverdwellwithcunning
oraddressforIshallnotboggleaboutwords,whentheirdirectsignificationisinsincerityandfalsehoodbut
contentmyselfwithobserving,thatifanyclassofmankindbesocreatedthatitmustnecessarilybeeducated
byrules,notstrictlydeduciblefromtruth,virtueisanaffairofconvention.HowcouldRousseaudareto
assert,aftergivingthisadvice,thatinthegrandendofexistence,theobjectofbothsexesshouldbethe
same,whenhewellknew,thatthemindformedbyitspursuits,isexpandedbygreatviewsswallowingup
littleones,orthatitbecomesitselflittle?

Menhavesuperiourstrengthofbodybutwereitnotformistakennotionsofbeauty,womenwouldacquire
sufficienttoenablethemtoearntheirownsubsistence,thetruedefinitionofindependenceandtobearthose
bodilyinconveniencesandexertionsthatarerequisitetostrengthenthemind.

Letusthen,bybeingallowedtotakethesameexerciseasboys,notonlyduringinfancy,butyouth,arriveat
perfectionofbody,thatwemayknowhowfarthenaturalsuperiorityofmanextends.Forwhatreasonor
virtuecanbeexpectedfromacreaturewhentheseedtimeoflifeisneglected?Nonedidnotthewindsof
heavencasuallyscattermanyusefulseedsinthefallowground.
"Beautycannotbeacquiredbydress,andcoquetryisanartnotsoearlyandspeedilyattained.Whilegirlsare
yetyoung,however,theyareinacapacitytostudyagreeablegesture,apleasingmodulationofvoice,an
easycarriageandbehaviouraswellastotaketheadvantageofgracefullyadaptingtheirlooksandattitudes
totime,place,andoccasion.Theirapplication,therefore,shouldnotbesolelyconfinedtotheartsofindustry
andtheneedle,whentheycometodisplayothertalents,whoseutilityisalreadyapparent.""FormypartI
wouldhaveayoungEnglishwomancultivateheragreeabletalents,inordertopleaseherfuturehusband,
withasmuchcareandassiduityasayoungCircassiancultivatesher's,tofitherfortheHaramofanEastern
bashaw."

Torenderwomencompletelyinsignificant,headds,"Thetonguesofwomenareveryvolubletheyspeak
earlier,morereadily,andmoreagreeablythanthementheyareaccusedalsoofspeakingmuchmore:butso
itoughttobe,andIshouldbeveryreadytoconvertthisreproachintoacomplimenttheirlipsandeyeshave
thesameactivity,andforthesamereason.Amanspeaksofwhatheknows,awomanofwhatpleasesher
theonerequiresknowledge,theothertastetheprincipalobjectofaman'sdiscourseshouldbewhatis
useful,thatofawoman'swhatisagreeable.Thereoughttobenothingincommonbetweentheirdifferent
conversationbuttruth."

"Weoughtnot,therefore,torestraintheprattleofgirls,inthesamemannerasweshouldthatofboys,with
thatseverequestion,'Towhatpurposeareyoutalking?'butbyanother,whichisnolessdifficulttoanswer,
'Howwillyourdiscoursebereceived?'Ininfancy,whiletheyareasyetincapabletodiscerngoodfromevil,
theyoughttoobserveitasalaw,nevertosayanythingdisagreeabletothosewhomtheyarespeakingto:
whatwillrenderthepracticeofthisrulealsothemoredifficult,is,thatitmusteverbesubordinatetothe
former,ofneverspeakingfalselyortellinganuntruth."Togovernthetongueinthismannermustrequire
greataddressindeedanditistoomuchpractisedbothbymenandwomen.Outoftheabundanceoftheheart
howfewspeak!Sofew,thatI,wholovesimplicity,wouldgladlygiveuppolitenessforaquarterofthe
virtuethathasbeensacrificedtoanequivocalquality,which,atbest,shouldonlybethepolishofvirtue.

Buttocompletethesketch."Itiseasytobeconceived,thatifmalechildrenbenotinacapacitytoformany
truenotionsofreligion,thoseideasmustbegreatlyabovetheconceptionofthefemales:itisforthisvery
reason,Iwouldbegintospeaktothemtheearlieronthissubjectforifweweretowaittilltheywereina
capacitytodiscussmethodicallysuchprofoundquestions,weshouldrunariskofneverspeakingtothemon
thissubjectaslongastheylived.Reasoninwomenisapracticalreason,capacitatingthemartfullyto
discoverthemeansofattainingaknownend,butwhichwouldneverenablethemtodiscoverthatenditself.
Thesocialrelationsofthesexesareindeedtrulyadmirable:fromtheirunionthereresultsamoralperson,of
whichwomanmaybetermedtheeyes,andmanthehand,withthisdependenceoneachother,thatitisfrom
themanthatthewomanistolearnwhatsheistosee,anditisofthewomanthatmanistolearnwhathe
oughttodo.Ifwomancouldrecurtothefirstprinciplesofthingsaswellasman,andmanwascapacitatedto
enterintotheirminutaeaswellaswoman,alwaysindependentofeachother,theywouldliveinperpetual
discord,andtheirunioncouldnotsubsist.Butinthepresentharmonywhichnaturallysubsistsbetweenthem,
theirdifferentfacultiestendtoonecommonenditisdifficulttosaywhichofthemconducesthemosttoit:
eachfollowstheimpulseoftheothereachisobedient,andbotharemasters."

"Astheconductofawomanissubservienttothepublicopinion,herfaithinmattersofreligion,shouldfor
thatveryreason,besubjecttoauthority.'Everydaughteroughttobeofthesamereligionashermother,and
everywifetobeofthesamereligionasherhusband:for,thoughsuchreligionshouldbefalse,thatdocility
whichinducesthemotheranddaughtertosubmittotheorderofnature,takesaway,inthesightofGod,the
criminalityoftheirerror'.*Astheyarenotinacapacitytojudgeforthemselves,theyoughttoabidebythe
decisionoftheirfathersandhusbandsasconfidentlyasbythatofthechurch."

(*Footnote.Whatistobetheconsequence,ifthemother'sandhusband'sopinionshouldchancenottoagree?
Anignorantpersoncannotbereasonedoutofanerror,andwhenpersuadedtogiveuponeprejudicefor
anotherthemindisunsettled.Indeed,thehusbandmaynothaveanyreligiontoteachherthoughinsucha
situationshewillbeingreatwantofasupporttohervirtue,independentofworldlyconsiderations.)

"Asauthorityoughttoregulatethereligionofthewomen,itisnotsoneedfultoexplaintothemthereasons
fortheirbelief,astolaydownpreciselythetenetstheyaretobelieve:forthecreed,whichpresentsonly
obscureideastothemind,isthesourceoffanaticismandthatwhichpresentsabsurdities,leadsto
infidelity."

Absolute,uncontrovertedauthority,itseems,mustsubsistsomewhere:butisnotthisadirectandexclusive
appropriationofreason?TheRIGHTSofhumanityhavebeenthusconfinedtothemalelinefromAdam
downwards.Rousseauwouldcarryhismalearistocracystillfurther,forheinsinuates,thatheshouldnot
blamethose,whocontendforleavingwomaninastateofthemostprofoundignorance,ifitwerenot
necessary,inordertopreserveherchastity,andjustifytheman'schoiceintheeyesoftheworld,togivehera
littleknowledgeofmen,andthecustomsproducedbyhumanpassionselseshemightpropagateathome
withoutbeingrenderedlessvoluptuousandinnocentbytheexerciseofherunderstanding:excepting,indeed,
duringthefirstyearofmarriage,whenshemightemployittodress,likeSophia."Herdressisextremely
modestinappearance,andyetverycoquettishinfact:shedoesnotmakeadisplayofhercharms,she
concealsthembut,inconcealingthem,sheknowshowtoaffectyourimagination.Everyonewhoseesher,
willsay,Thereisamodestanddiscreetgirlbutwhileyouarenearher,youreyesandaffectionswanderall
overherperson,sothatyoucannotwithdrawthemandyouwouldconcludethateverypartofherdress,
simpleasitseems,wasonlyputinitsproperordertobetakentopiecesbytheimagination."Isthis
modesty?Isthisapreparationforimmortality?Again.Whatopinionarewetoformofasystemof
education,whentheauthorsaysofhisheroine,"thatwithher,doingthingswellisbutaSECONDARY
concernherprincipalconcernistodothemNEATLY."

Secondary,infact,areallhervirtuesandqualities,for,respectingreligion,hemakesherparentsthusaddress
her,accustomedtosubmission"Yourhusbandwillinstructyouingoodtime."

Afterthuscrampingawoman'smind,if,inordertokeepitfair,hehasnotmadeitquiteablank,headvises
hertoreflect,thatareflectingmanmaynotyawninhercompany,whenheistiredofcaressingher.Whathas
shetoreflectabout,whomustobey?andwoulditnotbearefinementoncrueltyonlytoopenhermindto
makethedarknessandmiseryofherfateVISIBLE?Yetthesearehissensibleremarkshowconsistentwith
whatIhavealreadybeenobligedtoquote,togiveafairviewofthesubject,thereadermaydetermine.

"Theywhopasstheirwholelivesinworkingfortheirdailybread,havenoideasbeyondtheirbusinessor
theirinterest,andalltheirunderstandingseemstolieintheirfingers'ends.Thisignoranceisneither
prejudicialtotheirintegritynortheirmoralsitisoftenofservicetothem.Sometimes,bymeansof
reflection,weareledtocompoundwithourduty,andweconclude,bysubstitutingajargonofwords,inthe
roomofthings.Ourownconscienceisthemostenlightenedphilosopher.Thereisnoneedofbeing
acquaintedwithTully'soffices,tomakeamanofprobity:andperhapsthemostvirtuouswomanintheworld
istheleastacquaintedwiththedefinitionofvirtue.Butitisnolesstrue,thananimprovedunderstanding
onlycanrendersocietyagreeableanditisamelancholythingforafatherofafamily,whoisfondofhome,
tobeobligedtobealwayswrappedupinhimself,andtohavenobodyabouthimtowhomhecanimparthis
sentiments.

"Besides,howshouldawomanvoidofreflectionbecapableofeducatingherchildren?Howshouldshe
discernwhatisproperforthem?Howshouldsheinclinethemtothosevirtuessheisunacquaintedwith,orto
thatmeritofwhichshehasnoidea?Shecanonlysoothorchidethemrendertheminsolentortimidshe
willmakethemformalcoxcombs,orignorantblockheadsbutwillnevermakethemsensibleoramiable."
Howindeedshouldshe,whenherhusbandisnotalwaysathandtolendherhisreasonwhentheyboth
togethermakebutonemoralbeing?Ablindwill,"eyeswithouthands,"wouldgoaverylittlewayand
perchancehisabstractreason,thatshouldconcentratethescatteredbeamsofherpracticalreason,maybe
employedinjudgingoftheflavourofwine,discantingonthesaucesmostproperforturtleor,more
profoundlyintentatacardtable,hemaybegeneralizinghisideasashebetsawayhisfortune,leavingallthe
minutiaeofeducationtohishelpmateorchance.

But,grantingthatwomanoughttobebeautiful,innocent,andsilly,torenderheramorealluringand
indulgentcompanionwhatisherunderstandingsacrificedfor?Andwhyisallthispreparationnecessary
only,accordingtoRousseau'sownaccount,tomakeherthemistressofherhusband,averyshorttime?For
nomaneverinsistedmoreonthetransientnatureoflove.Thusspeaksthephilosopher."Sensualpleasures
aretransient.Thehabitualstateoftheaffectionsalwayslosesbytheirgratification.Theimagination,which
deckstheobjectofourdesires,islostinfruition.ExceptingtheSupremeBeing,whoisselfexistent,thereis
nothingbeautifulbutwhatisideal."
Buthereturnstohisunintelligibleparadoxesagain,whenhethusaddressesSophia."Emilius,inbecoming
yourhusband,isbecomeyourmaster,andclaimsyourobedience.Suchistheorderofnature.Whenamanis
married,however,tosuchawifeasSophia,itisproperheshouldbedirectedbyher:thisisalsoagreeableto
theorderofnature:itis,therefore,togiveyouasmuchauthorityoverhisheartashissexgiveshimover
yourperson,thatIhavemadeyouthearbiterofhispleasures.Itmaycostyou,perhaps,somedisagreeable
selfdenialbutyouwillbecertainofmaintainingyourempireoverhim,ifyoucanpreserveitoveryourself
whatIhavealreadyobserved,alsoshowsme,thatthisdifficultattemptdoesnotsurpassyourcourage.

"Wouldyouhaveyourhusbandconstantlyatyourfeet?keephimatsomedistancefromyourperson.You
willlongmaintaintheauthorityoflove,ifyouknowbuthowtorenderyourfavoursrareandvaluable.Itis
thusyoumayemployeventheartsofcoquetryintheserviceofvirtue,andthoseofloveinthatofreason."

Ishallclosemyextractswithajustdescriptionofacomfortablecouple."Andyetyoumustnotimagine,that
evensuchmanagementwillalwayssuffice.Whateverprecautionbetaken,enjoymentwill,bydegrees,take
offtheedgeofpassion.Butwhenlovehathlastedaslongaspossible,apleasinghabitudesuppliesitsplace,
andtheattachmentofamutualconfidencesucceedstothetransportsofpassion.Childrenoftenformamore
agreeableandpermanentconnexionbetweenmarriedpeoplethanevenloveitself.Whenyouceasetobethe
mistressofEmilius,youwillcontinuetobehiswifeandfriendyouwillbethemotherofhischildren."
(Rousseau'sEmilius.)

Children,hetrulyobserves,formamuchmorepermanentconnexionbetweenmarriedpeoplethanlove.
Beautyhedeclareswillnotbevalued,orevenseen,afteracouplehavelivedsixmonthstogetherartificial
gracesandcoquetrywilllikewisepallonthesenses:whythendoeshesay,thatagirlshouldbeeducatedfor
herhusbandwiththesamecareasforaneasternharam?

Inowappealfromthereveriesoffancyandrefinedlicentiousnesstothegoodsenseofmankind,whether,if
theobjectofeducationbetopreparewomentobecomechastewivesandsensiblemothers,themethodso
plausiblyrecommendedintheforegoingsketch,betheonebestcalculatedtoproducethoseends?Willitbe
allowedthatthesurestwaytomakeawifechaste,istoteachhertopractisethewantonartsofamistress,
termedvirtuouscoquetrybythesensualistwhocannolongerrelishtheartlesscharmsofsincerity,ortaste
thepleasurearisingfromatenderintimacy,whenconfidenceisuncheckedbysuspicion,andrendered
interestingbysense?

Themanwhocanbecontentedtolivewithaprettyusefulcompanionwithoutamind,haslostinvoluptuous
gratificationsatasteformorerefinedenjoymentshehasneverfeltthecalmsatisfactionthatrefreshesthe
parchedheart,likethesilentdewofheavenofbeingbelovedbyonewhocouldunderstandhim.Inthe
societyofhiswifeheisstillalone,unlesswhenthemanissunkinthebrute."Thecharmoflife,"saysa
gravephilosophicalreasoner,is"sympathynothingpleasesusmorethantoobserveinothermenafellow
feelingwithalltheemotionsofourownbreast."

But,accordingtothetenorofreasoningbywhichwomenarekeptfromthetreeofknowledge,theimportant
yearsofyouth,theusefulnessofage,andtherationalhopesoffuturity,arealltobesacrificed,torender
womananobjectofdesireforashorttime.Besides,howcouldRousseauexpectthemtobevirtuousand
constantwhenreasonisneitherallowedtobethefoundationoftheirvirtue,nortruththeobjectoftheir
inquiries?

ButallRousseau'serrorsinreasoningarosefromsensibility,andsensibilitytotheircharmswomenarevery
readytoforgive!Whenheshouldhavereasonedhebecameimpassioned,andreflectioninflamedhis
imagination,insteadofenlighteninghisunderstanding.Evenhisvirtuesalsoledhimfartherastrayfor,born
withawarmconstitutionandlivelyfancy,naturecarriedhimtowardtheothersexwithsucheagerfondness,
thathesoonbecamelascivious.Hadhegivenwaytothesedesires,thefirewouldhaveextinguisheditselfin
anaturalmanner,butvirtue,andaromantickindofdelicacy,madehimpractiseselfdenialyet,whenfear,
delicacy,orvirtuerestrainedhim,hedebauchedhisimaginationandreflectingonthesensationstowhich
fancygaveforce,hetracedtheminthemostglowingcolours,andsunkthemdeepintohissoul.

Hethensoughtforsolitude,nottosleepwiththemanofnatureorcalmlyinvestigatethecausesofthings
undertheshadewhereSirIsaacNewtonindulgedcontemplation,butmerelytoindulgehisfeelings.Andso
warmlyhashepaintedwhatheforciblyfelt,that,interestingtheheartandinflamingtheimaginationofhis
readersinproportiontothestrengthoftheirfancy,theyimaginethattheirunderstandingisconvinced,when
theyonlysympathizewithapoeticwriter,whoskilfullyexhibitstheobjectsofsense,mostvoluptuously
shadowed,orgracefullyveiledandthusmakingusfeel,whilstdreamingthatwereason,erroneous
conclusionsareleftinthemind.

WhywasRousseau'slifedividedbetweenecstasyandmisery?Cananyotheranswerbegiventhanthis,that
theeffervescenceofhisimaginationproducedbothbut,hadhisfancybeenallowedtocool,itispossible
thathemighthaveacquiredmorestrengthofmind.Still,ifthepurposeoflifebetoeducatetheintellectual
partofman,allwithrespecttohimwasrightyet,hadnotdeathledtoanoblersceneofaction,itisprobable
thathewouldhaveenjoyedmoreequalhappinessonearth,andhavefeltthecalmsensationsofthemanof
nature,insteadofbeingpreparedforanotherstageofexistencebynourishingthepassionswhichagitatethe
civilizedman.

Butpeacetohismanes!Iwarnotwithhisashes,buthisopinions.Iwaronlywiththesensibilitythatledhim
todegradewomanbymakinghertheslaveoflove.

."Curs'dvassalage,
Firstidoliz'dtilllove'shotfirebeo'er,
Thenslavestothosewhocourtedusbefore."
Dryden.

Thepernicioustendencyofthosebooks,inwhichthewritersinsidiouslydegradethesex,whilsttheyare
prostratebeforetheirpersonalcharms,cannotbetoooftenortooseverelyexposed.

Letus,mydearcontemporaries,ariseabovesuchnarrowprejudices!Ifwisdomisdesirableonitsown
account,ifvirtue,todeservethename,mustbefoundedonknowledgeletusendeavourtostrengthenour
mindsbyreflection,tillourheadsbecomeabalanceforourheartsletusnotconfineallourthoughtstothe
pettyoccurrencesoftheday,norourknowledgetoanacquaintancewithourlovers'orhusbands'heartsbut
letthepracticeofeverydutybesubordinatetothegrandoneofimprovingourminds,andpreparingour
affectionsforamoreexaltedstate!

Bewarethen,myfriends,ofsufferingthehearttobemovedbyeverytrivialincident:thereedisshakenbya
breeze,andannuallydies,buttheoakstandsfirm,andforagesbravesthestorm.

Werewe,indeed,onlycreatedtoflutterourhouroutanddiewhyletusthenindulgesensibility,andlaugh
attheseverityofreason.Yet,alas!eventhenweshouldwantstrengthofbodyandmind,andlifewouldbe
lostinfeverishpleasuresorwearisomelanguor.

Butthesystemofeducation,whichIearnestlywishtoseeexploded,seemstopresuppose,whatoughtnever
tobetakenforgranted,thatvirtueshieldsusfromthecasualtiesoflifeandthatfortune,slippingoffher
bandage,willsmileonawelleducatedfemale,andbringinherhandanEmiliusoraTelemachus.Whilst,on
thecontrary,therewardwhichvirtuepromisestohervotariesisconfined,itisclear,totheirownbosoms
andoftenmusttheycontendwiththemostvexatiousworldlycares,andbearwiththevicesandhumoursof
relationsforwhomtheycanneverfeelafriendship.

Therehavebeenmanywomenintheworldwho,insteadofbeingsupportedbythereasonandvirtueoftheir
fathersandbrothers,havestrengthenedtheirownmindsbystrugglingwiththeirvicesandfolliesyethave
nevermetwithahero,intheshapeofahusbandwho,payingthedebtthatmankindowedthem,might
chancetobringbacktheirreasontoitsnaturaldependentstate,andrestoretheusurpedprerogative,ofrising
aboveopinion,toman.

SECTION5.2.

Dr.Fordyce'ssermonshavelongmadeapartofayoungwoman'slibrarynay,girlsatschoolareallowedto
readthembutIshouldinstantlydismissthemfrommypupil's,ifIwishedtostrengthenherunderstanding,
byleadinghertoformsoundprinciplesonabroadbasisor,wereIonlyanxioustocultivatehertaste
thoughtheymustbeallowedtocontainmanysensibleobservations.
Dr.Fordycemayhavehadaverylaudableendinviewbutthesediscoursesarewritteninsuchanaffected
style,thatwereitonlyonthataccount,andhadInothingtoobjectagainsthisMELLIFLUOUSprecepts,I
shouldnotallowgirlstoperusethem,unlessIdesignedtohunteverysparkofnatureoutoftheir
composition,meltingeveryhumanqualityintofemaleweaknessandartificialgrace.Isayartificial,fortrue
gracearisesfromsomekindofindependenceofmind.

Children,carelessofpleasing,andonlyanxioustoamusethemselves,areoftenverygracefulandthe
nobilitywhohavemostlylivedwithinferiors,andalwayshadthecommandofmoney,acquireagraceful
easeofdeportment,whichshouldratherbetermedhabitualgraceofbody,thanthatsuperiourgracefulness
whichistrulytheexpressionofthemind.Thismentalgrace,notnoticedbyvulgareyes,oftenflashesacross
aroughcountenance,andirradiatingeveryfeature,showssimplicityandindependenceofmind.Itisthenwe
readcharactersofimmortalityintheeye,andseethesoulineverygesture,thoughwhenatrest,neitherthe
facenorlimbsmayhavemuchbeautytorecommendthemorthebehaviour,anythingpeculiartoattract
universalattention.Themassofmankind,however,lookformoreTANGIBLEbeautyyetsimplicityis,in
general,admired,whenpeopledonotconsiderwhattheyadmireandcantherebesimplicitywithout
sincerity?but,tohavedonewithremarksthatareinsomemeasuredesultory,thoughnaturallyexcitedbythe
subject.

IndeclamatoryperiodsDr.FordycespinsoutRousseau'seloquenceandinmostsentimentalrant,detailshis
opinionsrespectingthefemalecharacter,andthebehaviourwhichwomanoughttoassumetorenderher
lovely.

Heshallspeakforhimself,forthushemakesnatureaddressman."Beholdthesesmilinginnocents,whomI
havegracedwithmyfairestgifts,andcommittedtoyourprotectionbeholdthemwithloveandrespecttreat
themwithtendernessandhonour.Theyaretimidandwanttobedefended.TheyarefrailOdonottake
advantageoftheirweakness!Lettheirfearsandblushesendearthem.Lettheirconfidenceinyouneverbe
abused.Butisitpossible,thatanyofyoucanbesuchbarbarians,sosupremelywicked,astoabuseit?Can
youfindinyourhearts*todespoilthegentle,trustingcreaturesoftheirtreasure,ordoanythingtostrip
themoftheirnativerobeofvirtue?Curstbetheimpioushandthatwoulddaretoviolatetheunblemished
formofChastity!Thouwretch!thouruffian!forbearnorventuretoprovokeheaven'sfiercestvengeance."I
knownotanycommentthatcanbemadeseriouslyonthiscuriouspassage,andIcouldproducemanysimilar
onesandsome,soverysentimental,thatIhaveheardrationalmenusethewordindecent,whenthey
mentionedthemwithdisgust.

(*Footnote.Canyou?Canyou?wouldbethemostemphaticalcomment,wereitdrawledoutinawhining
voice.)

Throughoutthereisadisplayofcold,artificialfeelings,andthatparadeofsensibilitywhichboysandgirls
shouldbetaughttodespiseasthesuremarkofalittlevainmind.Floridappealsaremadetoheaven,andto
theBEAUTEOUSINNOCENTS,thefairestimagesofheavenherebelow,whilstsobersenseisleftfar
behind.Thisisnotthelanguageoftheheart,norwilliteverreachit,thoughtheearmaybetickled.

Ishallbetold,perhaps,thatthepublichavebeenpleasedwiththesevolumes.TrueandHervey's
Meditationsarestillread,thoughheequallysinnedagainstsenseandtaste.

Iparticularlyobjecttotheloverlikephrasesofpumpeduppassion,whichareeverywhereinterspersed.If
womenbeeverallowedtowalkwithoutleadingstrings,whymusttheybecajoledintovirtuebyartful
flatteryandsexualcompliments?Speaktothemthelanguageoftruthandsoberness,andawaywiththe
lullabystrainsofcondescendingendearment!Letthembetaughttorespectthemselvesasrationalcreatures,
andnotledtohaveapassionfortheirowninsipidpersons.Itmovesmygalltohearapreacherdescantingon
dressandneedleworkandstillmore,tohearhimaddressthe'Britishfair,thefairestofthefair',asifthey
hadonlyfeelings.

Evenrecommendingpietyheusesthefollowingargument."Never,perhaps,doesafinewomanstrikemore
deeply,thanwhen,composedintopiousrecollection,andpossessedwiththenoblestconsiderations,she
assumes,withoutknowingit,superiourdignityandnewgracessothatthebeautiesofholinessseemto
radiateabouther,andthebystandersarealmostinducedtofancyheralreadyworshippingamongsther
kindredangels!"Whyarewomentobethusbredupwithadesireofconquest?theveryepithet,usedinthis
sense,givesmeasicklyqualm!Doesreligionandvirtueoffernostrongermotives,nobrighterreward?Must
theyalwaysbedebasedbybeingmadetoconsiderthesexoftheircompanions?Musttheybetaughtalways
tobepleasing?Andwhenlevellingtheirsmallartilleryattheheartofman,isitnecessarytotellthemthata
littlesenseissufficienttorendertheirattentionINCREDIBLYSOOTHING?"Asasmalldegreeof
knowledgeentertainsinawoman,sofromawoman,thoughforadifferentreason,asmallexpressionof
kindnessdelights,particularlyifshehavebeauty!"Ishouldhavesupposedforthesamereason.

Whyaregirlstobetoldthattheyresembleangelsbuttosinkthembelowwomen?Or,thatagentle,innocent
femaleisanobjectthatcomesnearertotheideawhichwehaveformedofangelsthananyother.Yettheyare
told,atthesametime,thattheyareonlylikeangelswhentheyareyoungandbeautifulconsequently,itis
theirpersons,nottheirvirtues,thatprocurethemthishomage.

Idleemptywords!whatcansuchdelusiveflatteryleadto,butvanityandfolly?Thelover,itistrue,hasa
poeticlicencetoexalthismistresshisreasonisthebubbleofhispassion,andhedoesnotutterafalsehood
whenheborrowsthelanguageofadoration.Hisimaginationmayraisetheidolofhisheart,unblamed,above
humanityandhappywoulditbeforwomen,iftheywereonlyflatteredbythemenwholovedthemImean,
wholovetheindividual,notthesexbutshouldagravepreacherinterlardhisdiscourseswithsuchfooleries?

Insermonsornovels,however,voluptuousnessisalwaystruetoitstext.Menareallowedbymoraliststo
cultivate,asnaturedirects,differentqualities,andassumethedifferentcharacters,thatthesamepassions,
modifiedalmosttoinfinity,givetoeachindividual.Avirtuousmanmayhaveacholericorasanguine
constitution,begayorgrave,unreprovedbefirmtillbeisalmostoverbearing,or,weaklysubmissive,have
nowilloropinionofhisownbutallwomenaretobelevelled,bymeeknessanddocility,intoonecharacter
ofyieldingsoftnessandgentlecompliance.

Iwillusethepreacher'sownwords."Letitbeobserved,thatinyoursexmanlyexercisesarenevergraceful
thatinthematoneandfigure,aswellasanairanddeportment,ofthemasculinekind,arealwaysforbidding
andthatmenofsensibilitydesireineverywomansoftfeatures,andaflowingvoice,aformnotrobust,and
demeanourdelicateandgentle."

Isnotthefollowingportraittheportraitofahouseslave?"Iamastonishedatthefollyofmanywomen,
whoarestillreproachingtheirhusbandsforleavingthemalone,forpreferringthisorthatcompanytotheirs,
fortreatingthemwiththisandtheothermarkofdisregardorindifferencewhen,tospeakthetruth,they
havethemselvesinagreatmeasuretoblame.NotthatIwouldjustifythemeninanythingwrongontheir
part.ButhadyoubehavedtothemwithmoreRESPECTFULOBSERVANCE,andamoreEQUAL
TENDERNESSSTUDYINGTHEIRHUMOURS,OVERLOOKINGTHEIRMISTAKES,SUBMITTING
TOTHEIROPINIONSinmattersindifferent,passingbylittleinstancesofunevenness,caprice,orpassion,
givingSOFTanswerstohastywords,complainingasseldomaspossible,andmakingityourdailycareto
relievetheiranxietiesandpreventtheirwishes,toenliventhehourofdulness,andcalluptheideasof
felicity:hadyoupursuedthisconduct,Idoubtnotbutyouwouldhavemaintainedandevenincreasedtheir
esteem,sofarastohavesecuredeverydegreeofinfluencethatcouldconducetotheirvirtue,oryourmutual
satisfactionandyourhousemightatthisdayhavebeentheabodeofdomesticbliss."Suchawomanought
tobeanangelorsheisanassforIdiscernnotatraceofthehumancharacter,neitherreasonnorpassion
inthisdomesticdrudge,whosebeingisabsorbedinthatofatyrant's.

StillDr.Fordycemusthaveverylittleacquaintancewiththehumanheart,ifhereallysupposedthatsuch
conductwouldbringbackwanderinglove,insteadofexcitingcontempt.No,beauty,gentleness,etc.etc.may
gainaheartbutesteem,theonlylastingaffection,canalonebeobtainedbyvirtuesupportedbyreason.Itis
respectfortheunderstandingthatkeepsalivetendernessfortheperson.

Asthesevolumesaresofrequentlyputintothehandsofyoungpeople,Ihavetakenmorenoticeofthem
thanstrictlyspeaking,theydeservebutastheyhavecontributedtovitiatethetaste,andenervatethe
understandingofmanyofmyfellowcreatures,Icouldnotpassthemsilentlyover.

SECTION5.3.

SuchpaternalsolicitudepervadesDr.Gregory'sLegacytohisdaughters,thatIenteronthetaskofcriticism
withaffectionaterespectbutasthislittlevolumehasmanyattractionstorecommendittothenoticeofthe
mostrespectablepartofmysex,Icannotsilentlypassoverargumentsthatsospeciouslysupportopinions
which,Ithink,havehadthemostbanefuleffectonthemoralsandmannersofthefemaleworld.

Hiseasyfamiliarstyleisparticularlysuitedtothetenorofhisadvice,andthemelancholytendernesswhich
hisrespectforthememoryofabelovedwifediffusesthroughthewholework,rendersitveryinterestingyet
thereisadegreeofconciseeleganceconspicuousinmanypassages,thatdisturbsthissympathyandwepop
ontheauthor,whenweonlyexpectedtomeetthefather.

Besides,havingtwoobjectsinview,heseldomadheredsteadilytoeitherfor,wishingtomakehisdaughters
amiable,andfearinglestunhappinessshouldonlybetheconsequence,ofinstillingsentiments,thatmight
drawthemoutofthetrackofcommonlife,withoutenablingthemtoactwithconsonantindependenceand
dignity,hechecksthenaturalflowofhisthoughts,andneitheradvisesonethingnortheother.

Intheprefacehetellsthemamournfultruth,"thattheywillhear,atleastonceintheirlives,thegenuine
sentimentsofaman,whohasnointerestindeceivingthem."

Haplesswoman!whatcanbeexpectedfromthee,whenthebeingsonwhomthouartsaidnaturallytodepend
forreasonandsupport,haveallaninterestindeceivingthee!Thisistherootoftheevilthathassheda
corrodingmildewonallthyvirtuesandblightinginthebudthyopeningfaculties,hasrenderedtheethe
weakthingthouart!Itisthisseparateinterestthisinsidiousstateofwarfare,thatunderminesmorality,and
dividesmankind!

Iflovehasmadesomewomenwretchedhowmanymorehasthecoldunmeaningintercourseofgallantry
renderedvainanduseless!yetthisheartlessattentiontothesexisreckonedsomanly,sopolite,thattill
societyisverydifferentlyorganized,Ifear,thisvestigeofgothicmannerswillnotbedoneawaybyamore
reasonableandaffectionatemodeofconduct.Besides,tostripitofitsimaginarydignity,Imustobserve,that
inthemostcivilizedEuropeanstates,thislipserviceprevailsinaverygreatdegree,accompaniedwith
extremedissolutenessofmorals.InPortugal,thecountrythatIparticularlyalludeto,ittakesplaceofthe
mostseriousmoralobligationsforamanisseldomassassinatedwheninthecompanyofawoman.The
savagehandofrapineisunnervedbythischivalrousspiritand,ifthestrokeofvengeancecannotbestayed
theladyisentreatedtopardontherudenessanddepartinpeace,thoughsprinkled,perhaps,withher
husband'sorbrother'sblood.

Ishallpassoverhisstricturesonreligion,becauseImeantodiscussthatsubjectinaseparatechapter.

Theremarksrelativetobehaviour,thoughmanyofthemverysensible,Ientirelydisapproveof,becauseit
appearstometobebeginning,asitwereatthewrongend.Acultivatedunderstanding,andanaffectionate
heart,willneverwantstarchedrulesofdecorum,somethingmoresubstantialthanseemlinesswillbethe
resultand,withoutunderstanding,thebehaviourhererecommended,wouldberankaffectation.Decorum,
indeed,istheonethingneedful!decorumistosupplantnature,andbanishallsimplicityandvarietyof
characteroutofthefemaleworld.Yetwhatgoodendcanallthissuperficialcounselproduce?Itis,however,
mucheasiertopointoutthisorthatmodeofbehaviour,thantosetthereasontoworkbut,whenthemind
hasbeenstoredwithusefulknowledge,andstrengthenedbybeingemployed,theregulationofthebehaviour
maysafelybelefttoitsguidance.

Why,forinstance,shouldthefollowingcautionbegiven,whenartofeverykindmustcontaminatethemind
andwhyentanglethegrandmotivesofaction,whichreasonandreligionequallycombinetoenforce,with
pitifulworldlyshiftsandslightofhandtrickstogaintheapplauseofgapingtastelessfools?"Beeven
cautiousindisplayingyourgoodsense.*Itwillbethoughtyouassumeasuperiorityovertherestofthe
companyButifyouhappentohaveanylearningkeepitaprofoundsecret,especiallyfromthemen,who
generallylookwithajealousandmalignanteyeonawomanofgreatparts,andacultivatedunderstanding."
Ifmenofrealmerit,asheafterwardsobserves,aresuperiortothismeanness,whereisthenecessitythatthe
behaviourofthewholesexshouldbemodulatedtopleasefools,ormen,whohavinglittleclaimtorespectas
individuals,choosetokeepcloseintheirphalanx.Men,indeed,whoinsistontheircommonsuperiority,
havingonlythissexualsuperiority,arecertainlyveryexcusable.

(*Footnote.Letwomenonceacquiregoodsenseandifitdeservethename,itwillteachthemor,ofwhat
usewillitbehowtoemployit.)
Therewouldbenoendtorulesforbehaviour,ifitbeproperalwaystoadoptthetoneofthecompanyfor
thus,forevervaryingthekey,aFLATwouldoftenpassforaNATURALnote.

Surelyitwouldhavebeenwisertohaveadvisedwomentoimprovethemselvestilltheyroseabovethe
fumesofvanityandthentoletthepublicopinioncomeroundforwherearerulesofaccommodationto
stop?Thenarrowpathoftruthandvirtueinclinesneithertotherightnorleft,itisastraightforward
business,andtheywhoareearnestlypursuingtheirroad,mayboundovermanydecorousprejudices,without
leavingmodestybehind.Maketheheartclean,andgivetheheademployment,andIwillventuretopredict
thattherewillbenothingoffensiveinthebehaviour.

Theairoffashion,whichmanyyoungpeoplearesoeagertoattain,alwaysstrikesmelikethestudied
attitudesofsomemodernprints,copiedwithtastelessservilityaftertheantiquesthesoulisleftout,and
noneofthepartsaretiedtogetherbywhatmayproperlybetermedcharacter.Thisvarnishoffashion,which
seldomsticksveryclosetosense,maydazzletheweakbutleavenaturetoitself,anditwillseldomdisgust
thewise.Besides,whenawomanhassufficientsensenottopretendtoanythingwhichshedoesnot
understandinsomedegree,thereisnoneedofdeterminingtohidehertalentsunderabushel.Letthingstake
theirnaturalcourse,andallwillbewell.

Itisthissystemofdissimulation,throughoutthevolume,thatIdespise.WomenarealwaystoSEEMtobe
thisandthatyetvirtuemightapostrophizethem,inthewordsofHamletSeems!Iknownotseems!
Havethatwithinthatpassethshow!

Stillthesametoneoccursforinanotherplace,afterrecommending,(withoutsufficientlydiscriminating)
delicacy,headds,"Themenwillcomplainofyourreserve.Theywillassureyouthatafrankerbehaviour
wouldmakeyoumoreamiable.But,trustme,theyarenotsincerewhentheytellyouso.Iacknowledgethat
onsomeoccasionsitmightrenderyoumoreagreeableascompanions,butitwouldmakeyoulessamiableas
women:animportantdistinction,whichmanyofyoursexarenotawareof."

Thisdesireofbeingalwayswomen,istheveryconsciousnessthatdegradesthesex.Exceptingwithalover,I
mustrepeatwithemphasis,aformerobservationitwouldbewelliftheywereonlyagreeableorrational
companions.ButinthisrespecthisadviceiseveninconsistentwithapassagewhichImeantoquotewiththe
mostmarkedapprobation.

"Thesentiment,thatawomanmayallowallinnocentfreedoms,providedhervirtueissecure,isbothgrossly
indelicateanddangerous,andhasprovedfataltomanyofyoursex."WiththisopinionIperfectlycoincide.
Aman,orawoman,ofanyfeelingmustalwayswishtoconvinceabelovedobjectthatitisthecaressesof
theindividual,notthesex,thatisreceivedandreturnedwithpleasureand,thattheheart,ratherthanthe
senses,ismoved.Withoutthisnaturaldelicacy,lovebecomesaselfishpersonalgratificationthatsoon
degradesthecharacter.

Icarrythissentimentstillfurther.Affection,whenloveisoutofthequestion,authorisesmanypersonal
endearments,thatnaturallyflowingfromaninnocentheartgivelifetothebehaviourbutthepersonal
intercourseofappetite,gallantry,orvanity,isdespicable.Whenamansqueezesthehandofaprettywoman,
handinghertoacarriage,whomhehasneverseenbefore,shewillconsidersuchanimpertinentfreedomin
thelightofaninsult,ifshehaveanytruedelicacy,insteadofbeingflatteredbythisunmeaninghomageto
beauty.Thesearetheprivilegesoffriendship,orthemomentaryhomagewhichtheheartpaystovirtue,when
itflashessuddenlyonthenoticemereanimalspiritshavenoclaimtothekindnessesofaffection.

Wishingtofeedtheaffectionswithwhatisnowthefoodofvanity,Iwouldfainpersuademysextoactfrom
simplerprinciples.Letthemmeritlove,andtheywillobtainit,thoughtheymayneverbetoldthat:"The
powerofafinewomanovertheheartsofmen,ofmenofthefinestparts,isevenbeyondwhatshe
conceives."

Ihavealreadynoticedthenarrowcautionswithrespecttoduplicity,femalesoftness,delicacyofconstitution
forthesearethechangeswhichheringsroundwithoutceasing,inamoredecorousmanner,itistrue,than
Rousseaubutitallcomeshometothesamepoint,andwhoeverisatthetroubletoanalyzethesesentiments,
willfindthefirstprinciplesnotquitesodelicateasthesuperstructure.

Thesubjectofamusementsistreatedintoocursoryamannerbutwiththesamespirit.
WhenItreatoffriendship,love,andmarriage,itwillbefoundthatwemateriallydifferinopinionIshallnot
thenforestallwhatIhavetoobserveontheseimportantsubjectsbutconfinemyremarkstothegeneraltenor
ofthem,tothatcautiousfamilyprudence,tothoseconfinedviewsofpartialunenlightenedaffection,which
excludepleasureandimprovement,byvainlywishingtowardoffsorrowanderrorandbythusguarding
theheartandmind,destroyalsoalltheirenergy.Itisfarbettertobeoftendeceivedthannevertotrusttobe
disappointedinlove,thannevertolovetoloseahusband'sfondness,thanforfeithisesteem.

Happywoulditbefortheworld,andforindividuals,ofcourse,ifallthisunavailingsolicitudetoattain
worldlyhappiness,onaconfinedplan,wereturnedintoananxiousdesiretoimprovetheunderstanding.
"Wisdomistheprincipalthing:THEREFOREgetwisdomandwithallthygettingsgetunderstanding."
"Howlongyesimpleones,willyelovesimplicity,andhateknowledge?"SaithWisdomtothedaughtersof
men!

SECTION5.4.

Idonotmeantoalludetoallthewriterswhohavewrittenonthesubjectoffemalemannersitwouldinfact
beonlybeatingovertheoldground,fortheyhave,ingeneral,writteninthesamestrainbutattackingthe
boastedprerogativeofmantheprerogativethatmayemphaticallybecalledtheironsceptreoftyranny,the
originalsinoftyrants,Ideclareagainstallpowerbuiltonprejudices,howeverhoary.

IfthesubmissiondemandedbefoundedonjusticethereisnoappealingtoahigherpowerforGodis
justiceitself.Letusthen,aschildrenofthesameparent,ifnotbastardizedbybeingtheyoungerborn,reason
together,andlearntosubmittotheauthorityofreasonwhenhervoiceisdistinctlyheard.But,ifitbeproved
thatthisthroneofprerogativeonlyrestsonachaoticmassofprejudices,thathavenoinherentprincipleof
ordertokeepthemtogether,oronanelephant,tortoise,oreventhemightyshouldersofasonoftheearth,
theymayescape,whodaretobravetheconsequencewithoutanybreachofduty,withoutsinningagainstthe
orderofthings.

Whilstreasonraisesmanabovethebrutalherd,anddeathisbigwithpromises,theyalonearesubjectto
blindauthoritywhohavenorelianceontheirownstrength."Theyarefreewhowillbefree!"*

(*Footnote."Heisthefreeman,whomTRUTHmakesfree!"Cowper.)

Thebeingwhocangovernitself,hasnothingtofearinlifebutifanythingisdearerthanitsownrespect,the
pricemustbepaidtothelastfarthing.Virtue,likeeverythingvaluable,mustbelovedforherselfaloneor
shewillnottakeupherabodewithus.Shewillnotimpartthatpeace,"whichpassethunderstanding,"when
sheismerelymadethestiltsofreputationandrespectedwithpharisaicalexactness,because"honestyisthe
bestpolicy."

Thattheplanoflifewhichenablesustocarrysomeknowledgeandvirtueintoanotherworld,istheonebest
calculatedtoensurecontentinthis,cannotbedeniedyetfewpeopleactaccordingtothisprinciple,thoughit
beuniversallyallowedthatitadmitsnotofdispute.Presentpleasure,orpresentpower,carrybeforeitthese
soberconvictionsanditisfortheday,notforlife,thatmanbargainswithhappiness.Howfew!howvery
few!havesufficientforesightorresolution,toendureasmallevilatthemoment,toavoidagreaterhereafter.

Womaninparticular,whosevirtue*isbuiltonmutualprejudices,seldomattainstothisgreatnessofmindso
that,becomingtheslaveofherownfeelings,sheiseasilysubjugatedbythoseofothers.Thusdegraded,her
reason,hermistyreason!isemployedrathertoburnishthantosnapherchains.

(*Footnote.Imeantouseawordthatcomprehendsmorethanchastity,thesexualvirtue.)

IndignantlyhaveIheardwomenargueinthesametrackasmen,andadoptthesentimentsthatbrutalizethem
withallthepertinacityofignorance.

Imustillustratemyassertionbyafewexamples.Mrs.Piozzi,whooftenrepeatedbyrote,whatshedidnot
understand,comesforwardwithJohnsonianperiods.
"Seeknotforhappinessinsingularityanddreadarefinementofwisdomasadeviationintofolly."Thusshe
dogmaticallyaddressesanewmarriedmanandtoelucidatethispompousexordium,sheadds,"Isaidthat
thepersonofyourladywouldnotgrowmorepleasingtoyou,butprayletherneversuspectthatitgrowsless
so:thatawomanwillpardonanaffronttoherunderstandingmuchsoonerthanonetoherperson,iswell
knownnorwillanyofuscontradicttheassertion.Allourattainments,allourarts,areemployedtogainand
keeptheheartofmanandwhatmortificationcanexceedthedisappointment,iftheendbenotobtained:
Thereisnoreproofhoweverpointed,nopunishmenthoweversevere,thatawomanofspiritwillnotprefer
toneglectandifshecanendureitwithoutcomplaint,itonlyprovesthatshemeanstomakeherselfamends
bytheattentionofothersfortheslightsofherhusband!"

Thesearetruemasculinesentiments."AllourARTSareemployedtogainandkeeptheheartofman:"and
whatistheinference?ifherperson,andwasthereeveraperson,thoughformedwithMedicisansymmetry,
thatwasnotslighted?beneglected,shewillmakeherselfamendsbyendeavouringtopleaseothermen.
Noblemorality!Butthusistheunderstandingofthewholesexaffronted,andtheirvirtuedeprivedofthe
commonbasisofvirtue.Awomanmustknow,thatherpersoncannotbeaspleasingtoherhusbandasitwas
toherlover,andifshebeoffendedwithhimforbeingahumancreature,shemayaswellwhineaboutthe
lossofhisheartasaboutanyotherfoolishthing.Andthisverywantofdiscernmentorunreasonableanger,
provesthathecouldnotchangehisfondnessforherpersonintoaffectionforhervirtuesorrespectforher
understanding.

Whilstwomenavow,andactuptosuchopinions,theirunderstandings,atleast,deservethecontemptand
obloquythatmen,WHONEVERinsulttheirpersons,havepointedlylevelledatthefemalemind.Anditis
thesentimentsofthesepolitemen,whodonotwishtobeencumberedwithmind,thatvainwomen
thoughtlesslyadopt.Yettheyshouldknow,thatinsultedreasonalonecanspreadthatSACREDreserveabout
thepersonswhichrendershumanaffections,forhumanaffectionshavealwayssomebasealloy,as
permanentasisconsistentwiththegrandendofexistencetheattainmentofvirtue.

TheBaronessdeStaelspeaksthesamelanguageastheladyjustcited,withmoreenthusiasm.Hereulogium
onRousseauwasaccidentallyputintomyhands,andhersentiments,thesentimentsoftoomanyofmysex,
mayserveasthetextforafewcomments."ThoughRousseau,"sheobserves,"hasendeavouredtoprevent
womenfrominterferinginpublicaffairs,andactingabrilliantpartinthetheatreofpoliticsyet,inspeaking
ofthem,howmuchhashedoneittotheirsatisfaction!Ifhewishedtodeprivethemofsomerights,foreign
totheirsex,howhasheforeverrestoredtothemallthosetowhichithasaclaim!Andinattemptingto
diminishtheirinfluenceoverthedeliberationsofmen,howsacredlyhasheestablishedtheempiretheyhave
overtheirhappiness!Inaidingthemtodescendfromanusurpedthrone,hehasfirmlyseatedthemuponthat
towhichtheyweredestinedbynatureandthoughhebefullofindignationagainstthemwhenthey
endeavourtoresemblemen,yetwhentheycomebeforehimwithallTHECHARMSWEAKNESSES,
VIRTUES,andERRORS,OFtheirsex,hisrespectfortheirPERSONSamountsalmosttoadoration."True!
Forneverwasthereasensualistwhopaidmoreferventadorationattheshrineofbeauty.Sodevout,
indeed,washisrespectfortheperson,thatexceptingthevirtueofchastity,forobviousreasons,heonly
wishedtoseeitembellishedbycharms,weaknesses,anderrors.Hewasafraidlesttheausterityofreason
shoulddisturbthesoftplayfulnessoflove.Themasterwishedtohaveameretriciousslavetofondle,entirely
dependentonhisreasonandbountyhedidnotwantacompanion,whomheshouldbecompelledtoesteem,
orafriendtowhomhecouldconfidethecareofhischildren'seducation,shoulddeathdeprivethemoftheir
father,beforehehadfulfilledthesacredtask.Hedenieswomanreason,shutsheroutfromknowledge,and
turnsherasidefromtruthyethispardonisgranted,because,"headmitsthepassionoflove."Itwould
requiresomeingenuitytoshowwhywomenweretobeundersuchanobligationtohimforthusadmitting
lovewhenitisclearthatheadmitsitonlyfortherelaxationofmen,andtoperpetuatethespeciesbuthe
talkedwithpassion,andthatpowerfulspellworkedonthesensibilityofayoungencomiast."Whatsignifies
it,"pursuesthisrhapsodist,"towomen,thathisreasondisputeswiththemtheempire,whenhisheartis
devotedlytheirs."Itisnotempirebutequality,thattheyshouldcontendfor.Yet,iftheyonlywishedto
lengthenouttheirsway,theyshouldnotentirelytrusttotheirpersons,forthoughbeautymaygainaheart,it
cannotkeepit,evenwhilethebeautyisinfullbloom,unlessthemindlend,atleast,somegraces.

Whenwomenareoncesufficientlyenlightenedtodiscovertheirrealinterest,onagrandscale,theywill,I
ampersuaded,beveryreadytoresignalltheprerogativesoflove,thatarenotmutual,(speakingofthemas
lastingprerogatives,)forthecalmsatisfactionoffriendship,andthetenderconfidenceofhabitualesteem.
Beforemarriagetheywillnotassumeanyinsolentairs,norafterwardabjectlysubmitbut,endeavouringto
actlikereasonablecreatures,inbothsituations,theywillnotbetumbledfromathronetoastool.

MadameGenlishaswrittenseveralentertainingbooksforchildrenandherlettersonEducationaffordmany
usefulhints,thatsensibleparentswillcertainlyavailthemselvesofbutherviewsarenarrow,andher
prejudicesasunreasonableasstrong.

Ishallpassoverhervehementargumentinfavouroftheeternityoffuturepunishments,becauseIblushto
thinkthatahumanbeingshouldeverarguevehementlyinsuchacause,andonlymakeafewremarksonher
absurdmannerofmakingtheparentalauthoritysupplantreason.Foreverywheredoessheinculcatenotonly
BLINDsubmissiontoparentsbuttotheopinionoftheworld.*

(*Footnote.Apersonisnottoactinthisorthatway,thoughconvincedtheyarerightinsodoing,because
someequivocalcircumstancesmayleadtheworldtoSUSPECTthattheyactedfromdifferentmotives.This
issacrificingthesubstanceforashadow.Letpeoplebutwatchtheirownhearts,andactrightlyasfarasthey
canjudge,andtheymaypatientlywaittilltheopinionoftheworldcomesround.Itisbesttobedirectedbya
simplemotiveforjusticehastoooftenbeensacrificedtoproprietyanotherwordforconvenience.)

Shetellsastoryofayoungmanengagedbyhisfather'sexpressdesiretoagirloffortune.Beforethe
marriagecouldtakeplacesheisdeprivedofherfortune,andthrownfriendlessontheworld.Thefather
practisesthemostinfamousartstoseparatehissonfromher,andwhenthesondetectshisvillany,and,
followingthedictatesofhonour,marriesthegirl,nothingbutmiseryensues,becauseforsoothhemarried
WITHOUThisfather'sconsent.Onwhatgroundcanreligionormoralityrest,whenjusticeisthussetat
defiance?Inthesamestylesherepresentsanaccomplishedyoungwoman,asreadytomarryanybodythat
herMAMMApleasedtorecommendand,asactuallymarryingtheyoungmanofherownchoice,without
feelinganyemotionsofpassion,becausethatawelleducatedgirlhadnottimetobeinlove.Isitpossibleto
havemuchrespectforasystemofeducationthatthusinsultsreasonandnature?

Manysimilaropinionsoccurinherwritings,mixedwithsentimentsthatdohonourtoherheadandheart.Yet
somuchsuperstitionismixedwithherreligion,andsomuchworldlywisdomwithhermorality,thatI
shouldnotletayoungpersonreadherworks,unlessIcouldafterwardsconverseonthesubjects,andpoint
outthecontradictions.

Mrs.Chapone'sLettersarewrittenwithsuchgoodsense,andunaffectedhumility,andcontainsomany
usefulobservations,thatIonlymentionthemtopaytheworthywriterthistributeofrespect.Icannot,itis
true,alwayscoincideinopinionwithherbutIalwaysrespecther.

TheverywordrespectbringsMrs.Macaulaytomyremembrance.Thewomanofthegreatestabilities,
undoubtedly,thatthiscountryhaseverproduced.Andyetthiswomanhasbeensufferedtodiewithout
sufficientrespectbeingpaidtohermemory.

Posterity,however,willbemorejustandrememberthatCatharineMacaulaywasanexampleofintellectual
acquirementssupposedtobeincompatiblewiththeweaknessofhersex.Inherstyleofwriting,indeed,no
sexappears,foritislikethesenseitconveys,strongandclear.

Iwillnotcallher'samasculineunderstanding,becauseIadmitnotofsuchanarrogantassumptionofreason
butIcontendthatitwasasoundone,andthatherjudgment,thematuredfruitofprofoundthinking,wasa
proofthatawomancanacquirejudgment,inthefullextentoftheword.Possessingmorepenetrationthan
sagacity,moreunderstandingthanfancy,shewriteswithsoberenergy,andargumentativeclosenessyet
sympathyandbenevolencegiveaninteresttohersentiments,andthatvitalheattoarguments,whichforces
thereadertoweighthem.*

(*Footnote.CoincidinginopinionwithMrs.Macaulayrelativetomanybranchesofeducation,Irefertoher
valuablework,insteadofquotinghersentimentstosupportmyown.)

WhenIfirstthoughtofwritingthesestricturesIanticipatedMrs.Macaulay'sapprobationwithalittleofthat
sanguineardourwhichithasbeenthebusinessofmylifetodepressbutsoonheardwiththesicklyqualmof
disappointedhope,andthestillseriousnessofregretthatshewasnomore!
SECTION5.5.

Takingaviewofthedifferentworkswhichhavebeenwrittenoneducation,LordChesterfield'sLettersmust
notbesilentlypassedover.NotthatImeantoanalyzehisunmanly,immoralsystem,oreventocullanyof
theusefulshrewdremarkswhichoccurinhisfrivolouscorrespondenceNo,Ionlymeantomakeafew
reflectionsontheavowedtendencyofthemtheartofacquiringanearlyknowledgeoftheworld.Anart,I
willventuretoassert,thatpreyssecretly,liketheworminthebud,ontheexpandingpowers,andturnsto
poisonthegenerousjuiceswhichshouldmountwithvigourintheyouthfulframe,inspiringwarmaffections
andgreatresolves.

Foreverything,saiththewiseman,thereisreasonandwhowouldlookforthefruitsofautumnduringthe
genialmonthsofspring?Butthisismeredeclamation,andImeantoreasonwiththoseworldlywise
instructors,who,insteadofcultivatingthejudgment,instilprejudices,andrenderhardtheheartthatgradual
experiencewouldonlyhavecooled.Anearlyacquaintancewithhumaninfirmitiesor,whatistermed
knowledgeoftheworld,isthesurestway,inmyopinion,tocontracttheheartanddampthenaturalyouthful
ardourwhichproducesnotonlygreattalents,butgreatvirtues.Forthevainattempttobringforththefruitof
experience,beforethesaplinghasthrownoutitsleaves,onlyexhaustsitsstrength,andpreventsitsassuming
anaturalformjustastheformandstrengthofsubsidingmetalsareinjuredwhentheattractionofcohesion
isdisturbed.Tellme,yewhohavestudiedthehumanmind,isitnotastrangewaytofixprinciplesby
showingyoungpeoplethattheyareseldomstable?Andhowcantheybefortifiedbyhabitswhentheyare
provedtobefallaciousbyexample?Whyistheardourofyouththustobedamped,andtheluxuriancyof
fancycuttothequick?Thisdrycautionmay,itistrue,guardacharacterfromworldlymischancesbutwill
infalliblyprecludeexcellenceineithervirtueorknowledge.Thestumblingblockthrownacrosseverypath
bysuspicion,willpreventanyvigorousexertionsofgeniusorbenevolence,andlifewillbestrippedofits
mostalluringcharmlongbeforeitscalmevening,whenmanshouldretiretocontemplationforcomfortand
support.

Ayoungmanwhohasbeenbredupwithdomesticfriends,andledtostorehismindwithasmuch
speculativeknowledgeascanbeacquiredbyreadingandthenaturalreflectionswhichyouthfulebullitionsof
animalspiritsandinstinctivefeelingsinspire,willentertheworldwithwarmanderroneousexpectations.
Butthisappearstobethecourseofnatureandinmorals,aswellasinworksoftaste,weshouldbe
observantofhersacredindications,andnotpresumetoleadwhenweoughtobsequiouslytofollow.

Intheworldfewpeopleactfromprinciplepresentfeelings,andearlyhabits,arethegrandsprings:buthow
wouldtheformerbedeadened,andthelatterrenderedironcorrodingfetters,iftheworldwereshownto
youngpeoplejustasitiswhennoknowledgeofmankindortheirownhearts,slowlyobtainedbyexperience
renderedthemforbearing?Theirfellowcreatureswouldnotthenbeviewedasfrailbeingslikethemselves,
condemnedtostrugglewithhumaninfirmities,andsometimesdisplayingthelightandsometimesthedark
sideoftheircharacterextortingalternatefeelingsofloveanddisgustbutguardedagainstasbeastsofprey,
tilleveryenlargedsocialfeeling,inawordhumanity,waseradicated.

Inlife,onthecontrary,aswegraduallydiscovertheimperfectionsofournature,wediscovervirtues,and
variouscircumstancesattachustoourfellowcreatures,whenwemixwiththem,andviewthesameobjects,
thatareneverthoughtofinacquiringahastyunnaturalknowledgeoftheworld.Weseeafollyswellintoa
vice,byalmostimperceptibledegrees,andpitywhileweblamebut,ifthehideousmonsterburstsuddenly
onoursight,fearanddisgustrenderingusmoreseverethanmanoughttobe,mightleaduswithblindzealto
usurpthecharacterofomnipotence,anddenouncedamnationonourfellowmortals,forgettingthatwe
cannotreadtheheart,andthatwehaveseedsofthesameviceslurkinginourown.

Ihavealreadyremarked,thatweexpectmorefrominstruction,thanmereinstructioncanproduce:for,
insteadofpreparingyoungpeopletoencountertheevilsoflifewithdignity,andtoacquirewisdomand
virtuebytheexerciseoftheirownfaculties,preceptsareheapeduponprecepts,andblindobedience
required,whenconvictionshouldbebroughthometoreason.

Suppose,forinstance,thatayoungpersoninthefirstardouroffriendshipdeifiesthebelovedobjectwhat
harmcanarisefromthismistakenenthusiasticattachment?Perhapsitisnecessaryforvirtuefirsttoappearin
ahumanformtoimpressyouthfulheartstheidealmodel,whichamorematuredandexaltedmindlooksup
to,andshapesforitself,wouldeludetheirsight.Hewholovesnothisbrotherwhomhehathseen,howcan
heloveGod?askedthewisestofmen.

Itisnaturalforyouthtoadornthefirstobjectofitsaffectionwitheverygoodquality,andtheemulation
producedbyignorance,or,tospeakwithmorepropriety,byinexperience,bringsforwardthemindcapable
offormingsuchanaffection,andwhen,inthelapseoftime,perfectionisfoundnottobewithinthereachof
mortals,virtue,abstractly,isthoughtbeautiful,andwisdomsublime.Admirationthengivesplaceto
friendship,properlysocalled,becauseitiscementedbyesteemandthebeingwalksaloneonlydependent
onheavenforthatemulouspantingafterperfectionwhicheverglowsinanoblemind.Butthisknowledgea
manmustgainbytheexertionofhisownfacultiesandthisissurelytheblessedfruitofdisappointedhope!
forHewhodelightethtodiffusehappinessandshowmercytotheweakcreatures,whoarelearningtoknow
him,neverimplantedagoodpropensitytobeatormentingignisfatuus.

Ourtreesarenowallowedtospreadwithwildluxuriance,nordoweexpectbyforcetocombinethemajestic
marksoftimewithyouthfulgracesbutwaitpatientlytilltheyhavestruckdeeptheirroot,andbravedmany
astorm.Isthemindthen,which,inproportiontoitsdignityadvancesmoreslowlytowardsperfection,tobe
treatedwithlessrespect?Toarguefromanalogy,everythingaroundusisinaprogressivestateandwhenan
unwelcomeknowledgeoflifeproducesalmostasatietyoflife,andwediscoverbythenaturalcourseof
thingsthatallthatisdoneunderthesunisvanity,wearedrawingneartheawfulcloseofthedrama.The
daysofactivityandhopeareover,andtheopportunitieswhichthefirststageofexistencehasaffordedof
advancinginthescaleofintelligence,mustsoonbesummedup.Aknowledgeatthisperiodofthefutilityof
life,orearlier,ifobtainedbyexperience,isveryuseful,becauseitisnaturalbutwhenafrailbeingisshown
thefolliesandvicesofman,thathemaybetaughtprudentlytoguardagainstthecommoncasualtiesoflife
bysacrificinghisheartsurelyitisnotspeakingharshlytocallitthewisdomofthisworld,contrastedwith
thenoblerfruitofpietyandexperience.

Iwillventureaparadox,anddelivermyopinionwithoutreserveifmenwereonlyborntoformacircleof
lifeanddeath,itwouldbewisetotakeeverystepthatforesightcouldsuggesttorenderlifehappy.
Moderationineverypursuitwouldthenbesupremewisdomandtheprudentvoluptuarymightenjoya
degreeofcontent,thoughheneithercultivatedhisunderstandingnorkepthisheartpure.Prudence,
supposingweweremortal,wouldbetruewisdom,or,tobemoreexplicit,wouldprocurethegreatestportion
ofhappiness,consideringthewholeoflifebutknowledgebeyondtheconveniencesoflifewouldbeacurse.

Whyshouldweinjureourhealthbyclosestudy?Theexaltedpleasurewhichintellectualpursuitsafford
wouldscarcelybeequivalenttothehoursoflanguorthatfollowespecially,ifitbenecessarytotakeintothe
reckoningthedoubtsanddisappointmentsthatcloudourresearches.Vanityandvexationcloseeveryinquiry:
forthecausewhichweparticularlywishedtodiscoverflieslikethehorizonbeforeusasweadvance.The
ignorant,onthecontrary,resemblechildren,andsuppose,thatiftheycouldwalkstraightforwardthey
shouldatlastarrivewheretheearthandcloudsmeet.Yet,disappointedasweareinourresearches,themind
gainsstrengthbytheexercise,sufficient,perhaps,tocomprehendtheanswerswhich,inanotherstepof
existence,itmayreceivetotheanxiousquestionsitasked,whentheunderstandingwithfeeblewingwas
flutteringroundthevisibleeffectstodiveintothehiddencause.

Thepassionsalso,thewindsoflife,wouldbeuseless,ifnotinjurious,didthesubstancewhichcomposesour
thinkingbeing,afterwehavethoughtinvain,onlybecomethesupportofvegetablelife,andinvigoratea
cabbage,orblushinarose.Theappetiteswouldanswereveryearthlypurpose,andproducemoremoderate
andpermanenthappiness.Butthepowersofthesoulthatareoflittleusehere,and,probably,disturbour
animalenjoyments,evenwhileconsciousdignitymakesusgloryinpossessingthem,provethatlifeis
merelyaneducation,astateofinfancy,ofwhichtheonlyhopesworthcherishingshouldnotbesacrificed.I
mean,thereforetoinfer,thatweoughttohaveapreciseideaofwhatwewishtoattainbyeducation,forthe
immortalityofthesouliscontradictedbytheactionsofmanypeople,whofirmlyprofessthebelief.

Ifyoumeantosecureeaseandprosperityonearthasthefirstconsideration,andleavefuturitytoprovidefor
itself,youactprudentlyingivingyourchildanearlyinsightintotheweaknessesofhisnature.Youmaynot,
itistrue,makeanInkleofhimbutdonotimaginethathewillsticktomorethantheletterofthelaw,who
hasveryearlyimbibedameanopinionofhumannaturenorwillhethinkitnecessarytorisemuchabovethe
commonstandard.Hemayavoidgrossvices,becausehonestyisthebestpolicybuthewillneveraimat
attaininggreatvirtues.Theexampleofwritersandartistswillillustratethisremark.
Imustthereforeventuretodoubt,whetherwhathasbeenthoughtanaxiominmorals,maynothavebeena
dogmaticalassertionmadebymenwhohavecoollyseenmankindthroughthemediumofbooks,andsay,in
directcontradictiontothem,thattheregulationofthepassionsisnotalwayswisdom.Onthecontrary,it
shouldseem,thatonereasonwhymenhavesuperiourjudgmentandmorefortitudethanwomen,is
undoubtedlythis,thattheygiveafreerscopetothegrandpassions,andbymorefrequentlygoingastray,
enlargetheirminds.Ifthenbytheexerciseoftheirownreason,theyfixonsomestableprinciple,theyhave
probablytothanktheforceoftheirpassions,nourishedbyFALSEviewsoflife,andpermittedtooverleap
theboundarythatsecurescontent.Butif,inthedawnoflife,wecouldsoberlysurveythescenesbeforeusas
inperspective,andseeeverythinginitstruecolours,howcouldthepassionsgainsufficientstrengthto
unfoldthefaculties?

Letmenow,asfromaneminence,surveytheworldstrippedofallitsfalsedelusivecharms.Theclear
atmosphereenablesmetoseeeachobjectinitstruepointofview,whilemyheartisstill.Iamcalmasthe
prospectinamorningwhenthemists,slowlydispersing,silentlyunveilthebeautiesofnature,refreshedby
rest.

Inwhatlightwilltheworldnowappear?Irubmyeyesandthink,perchance,thatIamjustawakingfroma
livelydream.

Iseethesonsanddaughtersofmenpursuingshadows,andanxiouslywastingtheirpowerstofeedpassions
whichhavenoadequateobjectiftheveryexcessoftheseblindimpulsespamperedbythatlying,yet
constantlytrustedguide,theimagination,didnot,bypreparingthemforsomeotherstate,rendershort
sightedmortalswiserwithouttheirownconcurrenceor,whatcomestothesamething,whentheywere
pursuingsomeimaginarypresentgood.

Afterviewingobjectsinthislight,itwouldnotbeveryfancifultoimagine,thatthisworldwasastageon
whichapantomimeisdailyperformedfortheamusementofsuperiourbeings.Howwouldtheybediverted
toseetheambitiousmanconsuminghimselfbyrunningafteraphantom,and,pursuingthebubblefamein
"thecannon'smouth"thatwastoblowhimtonothing:forwhenconsciousnessislost,itmattersnotwhether
wemountinawhirlwindordescendinrain.Andshouldtheycompassionatelyinvigoratehissight,andshow
himthethornypathwhichledtoeminence,thatlikeaquicksandsinksasheascends,disappointinghishopes
whenalmostwithinhisgrasp,wouldhenotleavetoothersthehonourofamusingthem,andlabourtosecure
thepresentmoment,thoughfromtheconstitutionofhisnaturehewouldnotfinditveryeasytocatchthe
flyingstream?Suchslavesarewetohopeandfear!

But,vainastheambitiousman'spursuitwouldbe,heisoftenstrivingforsomethingmoresubstantialthan
famethatindeedwouldbetheveriestmeteor,thewildestfirethatcouldlureamantoruin.What!renounce
themosttriflinggratificationtobeapplaudedwhenheshouldbenomore!Whereforethisstruggle,whether
manismortalorimmortal,ifthatnoblepassiondidnotreallyraisethebeingabovehisfellows?

Andlove!WhatdivertingsceneswoulditproducePantaloon'stricksmustyieldtomoreegregiousfolly.To
seeamortaladornanobjectwithimaginarycharms,andthenfalldownandworshiptheidolwhichhehad
himselfsetuphowridiculous!Butwhatseriousconsequencesensuetorobmanofthatportionof
happiness,whichtheDeitybycallinghimintoexistencehas(or,onwhatcanhisattributesrest?)indubitably
promisedwouldnotallthepurposesoflifehavebeenmuchbetterfulfilledifhehadonlyfeltwhathasbeen
termedphysicallove?And,wouldnotthesightoftheobject,notseenthroughthemediumofthe
imagination,soonreducethepassiontoanappetite,ifreflection,thenobledistinctionofman,didnotgiveit
force,andmakeitaninstrumenttoraisehimabovethisearthydross,byteachinghimtolovethecentreofall
perfection!whosewisdomappearsclearerandclearerintheworksofnature,inproportionasreasonis
illuminatedandexaltedbycontemplation,andbyacquiringthatloveoforderwhichthestrugglesofpassion
produce?

Thehabitofreflection,andtheknowledgeattainedbyfosteringanypassion,mightbeshowntobeequally
usefulthoughtheobjectbeprovedequallyfallaciousfortheywouldallappearinthesamelight,ifthey
werenotmagnifiedbythegoverningpassionimplantedinusbytheAuthorofallgood,tocallforthand
strengthenthefacultiesofeachindividual,andenableittoattainalltheexperiencethataninfantcanobtain,
whodoescertainthings,itcannottellwhy.
Idescendfrommyheight,andmixingwithmyfellowcreatures,feelmyselfhurriedalongthecommon
streamambition,love,hope,andfear,exerttheirwontedpower,thoughwebeconvincedbyreasonthattheir
presentandmostattractivepromisesareonlylyingdreamsbuthadthecoldhandofcircumspectiondamped
eachgenerousfeelingbeforeithadleftanypermanentcharacter,orfixedsomehabit,whatcouldbe
expected,butselfishprudenceandreasonjustrisingaboveinstinct?WhothathasreadDeanSwift's
disgustingdescriptionoftheYahoos,andinsipidoneofHouyhnhnmwithaphilosophicaleye,canavoid
seeingthefutilityofdegradingthepassions,ormakingmanrestincontentment?

TheyouthshouldACTforhadhetheexperienceofagreyhead,hewouldbefitterfordeaththanlife,
thoughhisvirtues,ratherresidinginhisheadthanhisheartcouldproducenothinggreat,andhis
understandingpreparedforthisworld,wouldnot,byitsnobleflights,provethatithadatitletoabetter.

Besides,itisnotpossibletogiveayoungpersonajustviewoflifehemusthavestruggledwithhisown
passionsbeforehecanestimatetheforceofthetemptationwhichbetrayedhisbrotherintovice.Thosewho
areenteringlife,andthosewhoaredeparting,seetheworldfromsuchverydifferentpointsofview,thatthey
canseldomthinkalike,unlesstheunfledgedreasonoftheformerneverattemptedasolitaryflight.

Whenwehearofsomedaringcrimeitcomesfulluponusinthedeepestshadeofturpitude,andraises
indignationbuttheeyethatgraduallysawthedarknessthicken,mustobserveitwithmorecompassionate
forbearance.Theworldcannotbeseenbyanunmovedspectator,wemustmixinthethrong,andfeelasmen
feelbeforewecanjudgeoftheirfeelings.Ifwemean,inshort,toliveintheworldtogrowwiserandbetter,
andnotmerelytoenjoythegoodthingsoflife,wemustattainaknowledgeofothersatthesametimethat
webecomeacquaintedwithourselvesknowledgeacquiredanyotherwayonlyhardenstheheartand
perplexestheunderstanding.

Imaybetold,thattheknowledgethusacquired,issometimespurchasedattoodeararate.Icanonlyanswer,
thatIverymuchdoubtwhetheranyknowledgecanbeattainedwithoutlabourandsorrowandthosewho
wishtosparetheirchildrenboth,shouldnotcomplainiftheyareneitherwisenorvirtuous.Theyonlyaimed
atmakingthemprudentandprudence,earlyinlife,isbutthecautiouscraftofignorantselflove.Ihave
observed,thatyoungpeople,towhoseeducationparticularattentionhasbeenpaid,have,ingeneral,been
verysuperficialandconceited,andfarfrompleasinginanyrespect,becausetheyhadneitherthe
unsuspectingwarmthofyouth,northecooldepthofage.Icannothelpimputingthisunnaturalappearance
principallytothathastyprematureinstruction,whichleadsthempresumptuouslytorepeatallthecrude
notionstheyhavetakenupontrust,sothatthecarefuleducationwhichtheyreceived,makesthemalltheir
livestheslavesofprejudices.

Mentalaswellasbodilyexertionis,atfirst,irksomesomuchso,thatthemanywouldfainletothersboth
workandthinkforthem.AnobservationwhichIhaveoftenmadewillillustratemymeaning.Whenina
circleofstrangers,oracquaintances,apersonofmoderateabilities,assertsanopinionwithheat,Iwill
venturetoaffirm,forIhavetracedthisfacthome,veryoften,thatitisaprejudice.Theseechoeshaveahigh
respectfortheunderstandingofsomerelationorfriend,andwithoutfullycomprehendingtheopinions,
whichtheyaresoeagertoretail,theymaintainthemwithadegreeofobstinacy,thatwouldsurpriseeventhe
personwhoconcoctedthem.

Iknowthatakindoffashionnowprevailsofrespectingprejudicesandwhenanyonedarestofacethem,
thoughactuatedbyhumanityandarmedbyreason,heissuperciliouslyasked,whetherhisancestorswere
fools.No,Ishouldreplyopinions,atfirst,ofeverydescription,wereall,probably,considered,andtherefore
werefoundedonsomereasonyetnotunfrequently,ofcourse,itwasratheralocalexpedientthana
fundamentalprinciple,thatwouldbereasonableatalltimes.But,mosscoveredopinionsassumethe
disproportionedformofprejudices,whentheyareindolentlyadoptedonlybecauseagehasgiventhema
venerableaspect,thoughthereasononwhichtheywerebuiltceasestobeareason,orcannotbetraced.Why
arewetoloveprejudices,merelybecausetheyareprejudices?Aprejudiceisafondobstinatepersuasion,for
whichwecangivenoreasonforthemomentareasoncanbegivenforanopinion,itceasestobea
prejudice,thoughitmaybeanerrorinjudgment:andarewethenadvisedtocherishopinionsonlytoset
reasonatdefiance?Thismodeofarguing,ifarguingitmaybecalled,remindsmeofwhatisvulgarlytermed
awoman'sreason.Forwomensometimesdeclarethattheylove,orbelievecertainthings,BECAUSEthey
love,orbelievethem.
Itisimpossibletoconversewithpeopletoanypurpose,who,inthisstyle,onlyuseaffirmativesand
negatives.Beforeyoucanbringthemtoapoint,tostartfairlyfrom,youmustgobacktothesimple
principlesthatwereantecedenttotheprejudicesbroachedbypoweranditistentoonebutyouarestopped
bythephilosophicalassertion,thatcertainprinciplesareaspracticallyfalseastheyareabstractlytrue.Nay,
itmaybeinferred,thatreasonhaswhisperedsomedoubts,foritgenerallyhappensthatpeopleasserttheir
opinionswiththegreatestheatwhentheybegintowaverstrivingtodriveouttheirowndoubtsby
convincingtheiropponent,theygrowangrywhenthosegnawingdoubtsarethrownbacktopreyon
themselves.

Thefactis,thatmenexpectfromeducation,whateducationcannotgive.Asagaciousparentortutormay
strengthenthebodyandsharpentheinstrumentsbywhichthechildistogatherknowledgebutthehoney
mustbetherewardoftheindividual'sownindustry.Itisalmostasabsurdtoattempttomakeayouthwiseby
theexperienceofanother,astoexpectthebodytogrowstrongbytheexercisewhichisonlytalkedof,or
seen.

Manyofthosechildrenwhoseconducthasbeenmostnarrowlywatched,becometheweakestmen,because
theirinstructorsonlyinstillcertainnotionsintotheirminds,thathavenootherfoundationthantheir
authorityandiftheyarelovedorrespected,themindiscrampedinitsexertionsandwaveringinits
advances.Thebusinessofeducationinthiscase,isonlytoconducttheshootingtendrilstoaproperpoleyet
afterlayingpreceptuponprecept,withoutallowingachildtoacquirejudgmentitself,parentsexpectthemto
actinthesamemannerbythisborrowedfallaciouslight,asiftheyhadilluminateditthemselvesandbe,
whentheyenterlife,whattheirparentsareattheclose.Theydonotconsiderthatthetree,andeventhe
humanbody,doesnotstrengthenitsfibrestillithasreacheditsfullgrowth.

Thereappearstobesomethinganalogousinthemind.Thesensesandtheimaginationgiveaformtothe
character,duringchildhoodandyouthandtheunderstandingaslifeadvances,givesfirmnesstothefirstfair
purposesofsensibilitytillvirtue,arisingratherfromtheclearconvictionofreasonthantheimpulseofthe
heart,moralityismadetorestonarockagainstwhichthestormsofpassionvainlybeat.

IhopeIshallnotbemisunderstoodwhenIsay,thatreligionwillnothavethiscondensingenergy,unlessit
befoundedonreason.Ifitbemerelytherefugeofweaknessorwildfanaticism,andnotagoverning
principleofconduct,drawnfromselfknowledge,andarationalopinionrespectingtheattributesofGod,
whatcanitbeexpectedtoproduce?Thereligionwhichconsistsinwarmingtheaffections,andexaltingthe
imagination,isonlythepoeticalpart,andmayaffordtheindividualpleasurewithoutrenderingitamore
moralbeing.Itmaybeasubstituteforworldlypursuitsyetnarrowinsteadofenlargingtheheart:butvirtue
mustbelovedasinitselfsublimeandexcellent,andnotfortheadvantagesitprocuresortheevilsitaverts,if
anygreatdegreeofexcellencebeexpected.Menwillnotbecomemoralwhentheyonlybuildairycastlesin
afutureworldtocompensateforthedisappointmentswhichtheymeetwithinthisiftheyturntheirthoughts
fromrelativedutiestoreligiousreveries.

Mostprospectsinlifearemarredbytheshufflingworldlywisdomofmen,who,forgettingthattheycannot
serveGodandmammon,endeavourtoblendcontradictorythings.Ifyouwishtomakeyoursonrich,pursue
onecourseifyouareonlyanxioustomakehimvirtuous,youmusttakeanotherbutdonotimaginethat
youcanboundfromoneroadtotheotherwithoutlosingyourway.*

(*Footnote.SeeanexcellentessayonthissubjectbyMrs.
Barbauld,inMiscellaneouspiecesinProse.)

CHAPTER6.

THEEFFECTWHICHANEARLYASSOCIATIONOFIDEASHASUPONTHECHARACTER.

EducatedintheenervatingstylerecommendedbythewritersonwhomIhavebeenanimadvertingandnot
havingachance,fromtheirsubordinatestateinsociety,torecovertheirlostground,isitsurprisingthat
womeneverywhereappearadefectinnature?Isitsurprising,whenweconsiderwhatadeterminateeffect
anearlyassociationofideashasonthecharacter,thattheyneglecttheirunderstandings,andturnalltheir
attentiontotheirpersons?
Thegreatadvantageswhichnaturallyresultfromstoringthemindwithknowledge,areobviousfromthe
followingconsiderations.Theassociationofourideasiseitherhabitualorinstantaneousandthelattermode
seemsrathertodependontheoriginaltemperatureofthemindthanonthewill.Whentheideas,andmatters
offact,areoncetakenin,theyliebyforuse,tillsomefortuitouscircumstancemakestheinformationdart
intothemindwithillustrativeforce,thathasbeenreceivedatverydifferentperiodsofourlives.Likethe
lightning'sflasharemanyrecollectionsoneideaassimilatingandexplaininganother,withastonishing
rapidity.Idonotnowalludetothatquickperceptionoftruth,whichissointuitivethatitbafflesresearch,
andmakesusatalosstodeterminewhetheritisreminiscenceorratiocination,lostsightofinitscelerity,
thatopensthedarkcloud.Overthoseinstantaneousassociationswehavelittlepowerforwhenthemindis
onceenlargedbyexcursiveflights,orprofoundreflection,therawmaterials,will,insomedegree,arrange
themselves.Theunderstanding,itistrue,maykeepusfromgoingoutofdrawingwhenwegroupour
thoughts,ortranscribefromtheimaginationthewarmsketchesoffancybuttheanimalspirits,the
individualcharactergivethecolouring.Overthissubtileelectricfluid,*howlittlepowerdowepossess,and
overithowlittlepowercanreasonobtain!Thesefineintractablespiritsappeartobetheessenceofgenius,
andbeaminginitseagleeye,produceinthemosteminentdegreethehappyenergyofassociatingthoughts
thatsurprise,delight,andinstruct.Thesearetheglowingmindsthatconcentratepicturesfortheirfellow
creaturesforcingthemtoviewwithinteresttheobjectsreflectedfromtheimpassionedimagination,which
theypassedoverinnature.

(*Footnote.Ihavesometimes,wheninclinedtolaughatmaterialists,askedwhether,asthemostpowerful
effectsinnatureareapparentlyproducedbyfluids,themagnetic,etc.thepassionsmightnotbefinevolatile
fluidsthatembracedhumanity,keepingthemorerefractoryelementarypartstogetherorwhethertheywere
simplyaliquidfirethatpervadedthemoresluggishmaterialsgivingthemlifeandheat?)

Imustbeallowedtoexplainmyself.Thegeneralityofpeoplecannotseeorfeelpoetically,theywantfancy,
andthereforeflyfromsolitudeinsearchofsensibleobjectsbutwhenanauthorlendsthemhiseyes,they
canseeashesaw,andbeamusedbyimagestheycouldnotselect,thoughlyingbeforethem.

Educationthusonlysuppliesthemanofgeniuswithknowledgetogivevarietyandcontrasttohis
associationsbutthereisanhabitualassociationofideas,thatgrows"withourgrowth,"whichhasagreat
effectonthemoralcharacterofmankindandbywhichaturnisgiventothemind,thatcommonlyremains
throughoutlife.Soductileistheunderstanding,andyetsostubborn,thattheassociationswhichdependon
adventitiouscircumstances,duringtheperiodthatthebodytakestoarriveatmaturity,canseldombe
disentangledbyreason.Oneideacallsupanother,itsoldassociate,andmemory,faithfultothefirst
impressions,particularlywhentheintellectualpowersarenotemployedtocooloursensations,retracesthem
withmechanicalexactness.

Thishabitualslavery,tofirstimpressions,hasamorebanefuleffectonthefemalethanthemalecharacter,
becausebusinessandotherdryemploymentsoftheunderstanding,tendtodeadenthefeelingsandbreak
associationsthatdoviolencetoreason.Butfemales,whoaremadewomenofwhentheyaremerechildren,
andbroughtbacktochildhoodwhentheyoughttoleavethegocartforever,havenotsufficientstrengthof
mindtoeffacethesuperinductionsofartthathavesmotherednature.

Everythingthattheyseeorhearservestofiximpressions,callforthemotions,andassociateideas,thatgive
asexualcharactertothemind.Falsenotionsofbeautyanddelicacystopthegrowthoftheirlimbsand
produceasicklysoreness,ratherthandelicacyoforgansandthusweakenedbybeingemployedinunfolding
insteadofexaminingthefirstassociations,forcedonthembyeverysurroundingobject,howcantheyattain
thevigournecessarytoenablethemtothrowofftheirfactitiouscharacter?wherefindstrengthtorecurto
reasonandrisesuperiortoasystemofoppression,thatblaststhefairpromisesofspring?Thiscruel
associationofideas,whicheverythingconspirestotwistintoalltheirhabitsofthinking,or,tospeakwith
moreprecision,offeeling,receivesnewforcewhentheybegintoactalittleforthemselvesfortheythen
perceive,thatitisonlythroughtheiraddresstoexciteemotionsinmen,thatpleasureandpoweraretobe
obtained.Besides,allthebooksprofessedlywrittenfortheirinstruction,whichmakethefirstimpressionon
theirminds,allinculcatethesameopinions.EducatedinworsethanEgyptianbondage,itisunreasonable,as
wellascruel,toupbraidthemwithfaultsthatcanscarcelybeavoided,unlessadegreeofnativevigourbe
supposed,thatfallstothelotofveryfewamongstmankind.
Forinstance,theseverestsarcasmshavebeenlevelledagainstthesex,andtheyhavebeenridiculedfor
repeating"asetofphraseslearntbyrote,"whennothingcouldbemorenatural,consideringtheeducation
theyreceive,andthattheir"highestpraiseistoobey,unargued"thewillofman.Iftheyarenotallowedto
havereasonsufficienttogoverntheirownconductwhy,alltheylearnmustbelearnedbyrote!Andwhen
alltheiringenuityiscalledforthtoadjusttheirdress,"apassionforascarletcoat,"issonatural,thatitnever
surprisedmeand,allowingPope'ssummaryoftheircharactertobejust,"thateverywomanisathearta
rake,"whyshouldtheybebitterlycensuredforseekingacongenialmind,andpreferringaraketoamanof
sense?

Rakesknowhowtoworkontheirsensibility,whilstthemodestmeritofreasonablemenhas,ofcourse,less
effectontheirfeelings,andtheycannotreachtheheartbythewayoftheunderstanding,becausetheyhave
fewsentimentsincommon.

ItseemsalittleabsurdtoexpectwomentobemorereasonablethanmenintheirLIKINGS,andstilltodeny
themtheuncontroleduseofreason.WhendomenFALLINLOVEwithsense?Whendothey,withtheir
superiorpowersandadvantages,turnfromthepersontothemind?Andhowcantheythenexpectwomen,
whoareonlytaughttoobservebehaviour,andacquiremannersratherthanmorals,todespisewhattheyhave
beenalltheirliveslabouringtoattain?Wherearetheysuddenlytofindjudgmentenoughtoweighpatiently
thesenseofanawkwardvirtuousman,whenhismanners,ofwhichtheyaremadecriticaljudges,are
rebuffing,andhisconversationcoldanddull,becauseitdoesnotconsistofprettyrepartees,orwellturned
compliments?Inordertoadmireoresteemanythingforacontinuance,wemust,atleast,haveourcuriosity
excitedbyknowing,insomedegree,whatweadmireforweareunabletoestimatethevalueofqualitiesand
virtuesaboveourcomprehension.Sucharespect,whenitisfelt,maybeverysublimeandtheconfused
consciousnessofhumilitymayrenderthedependentcreatureaninterestingobject,insomepointsofview
buthumanlovemusthavegrosseringredientsandthepersonverynaturallywillcomeinforitsshareand,
anampleshareitmostlyhas!

Loveis,inagreatdegree,anarbitrarypassion,andwillreignlikesomeotherstalkingmischiefs,byitsown
authority,withoutdeigningtoreasonanditmayalsobeeasilydistinguishedfromesteem,thefoundationof
friendship,becauseitisoftenexcitedbyevanescentbeautiesandgraces,thoughtogiveanenergytothe
sentimentsomethingmoresolidmustdeepentheirimpressionandsettheimaginationtowork,tomakethe
mostfairthefirstgood.

Commonpassionsareexcitedbycommonqualities.Menlookforbeautyandthesimperofgoodhumoured
docility:womenarecaptivatedbyeasymanners:agentlemanlikemanseldomfailstopleasethem,andtheir
thirstyearseagerlydrinktheinsinuatingnothingsofpoliteness,whilsttheyturnfromtheunintelligible
soundsofthecharmerreason,charmheneversowisely.Withrespecttosuperficialaccomplishments,the
rakecertainlyhastheadvantageandofthese,femalescanformanopinion,foritistheirownground.
Renderedgayandgiddybythewholetenoroftheirlives,theveryaspectofwisdom,ortheseveregracesof
virtuemusthavealugubriousappearancetothemandproduceakindofrestraintfromwhichtheyandlove,
sportivechild,naturallyrevolt.Withouttaste,exceptingofthelighterkind,fortasteistheoffspringof
judgment,howcantheydiscover,thattruebeautyandgracemustarisefromtheplayofthemind?andhow
cantheybeexpectedtorelishinaloverwhattheydonot,orveryimperfectly,possessthemselves?The
sympathythatuniteshearts,andinvitestoconfidence,inthemissoveryfaint,thatitcannottakefire,and
thusmounttopassion.No,Irepeatit,thelovecherishedbysuchminds,musthavegrosserfuel!

Theinferenceisobvioustillwomenareledtoexercisetheirunderstandings,theyshouldnotbesatirizedfor
theirattachmenttorakesnorevenforbeingrakesatheart,whenitappearstobetheinevitableconsequence
oftheireducation.Theywholivetopleasemustfindtheirenjoyments,theirhappiness,inpleasure!Itisa
trite,yettrueremark,thatweneverdoanythingwell,unlessweloveitforitsownsake.

Supposing,however,foramoment,thatwomenwere,insomefuturerevolutionoftime,tobecome,whatI
sincerelywishthemtobe,evenlovewouldacquiremoreseriousdignity,andbepurifiedinitsownfiresand
virtuegivingtruedelicacytotheiraffections,theywouldturnwithdisgustfromarake.Reasoningthen,as
wellasfeeling,theonlyprovinceofwoman,atpresent,theymighteasilyguardagainstexteriorgraces,and
quicklylearntodespisethesensibilitythathadbeenexcitedandhackneyedinthewaysofwomen,whose
tradewasviceandallurement'swantonairs.Theywouldrecollectthattheflame,(onemustuseappropriate
expressions,)whichtheywishedtolightup,hadbeenexhaustedbylust,andthatthesatedappetite,losingall
relishforpureandsimplepleasures,couldonlyberousedbylicentiousartsofvariety.Whatsatisfaction
couldawomanofdelicacypromiseherselfinaunionwithsuchaman,whentheveryartlessnessofher
affectionmightappearinsipid?ThusdoesDrydendescribethesituation:

"Whereloveisdutyonthefemaleside,
Ontheirsmeresensualgust,andsoughtwithsurlypride."

Butonegrandtruthwomenhaveyettolearn,thoughmuchitimportsthemtoactaccordingly.Inthechoice
ofahusbandtheyshouldnotbeledastraybythequalitiesofaloverforaloverthehusband,even
supposinghimtobewiseandvirtuous,cannotlongremain.

Werewomenmorerationallyeducated,couldtheytakeamorecomprehensiveviewofthings,theywouldbe
contentedtolovebutonceintheirlivesandaftermarriagecalmlyletpassionsubsideintofriendshipinto
thattenderintimacy,whichisthebestrefugefromcareyetisbuiltonsuchpure,stillaffections,thatidle
jealousieswouldnotbeallowedtodisturbthedischargeofthesoberdutiesoflife,nortoengrossthe
thoughtsthatoughttobeotherwiseemployed.Thisisastateinwhichmanymenlivebutfew,veryfew
women.Andthedifferencemayeasilybeaccountedfor,withoutrecurringtoasexualcharacter.Men,for
whomwearetoldwomenaremade,havetoomuchoccupiedthethoughtsofwomenandthisassociation
hassoentangledlove,withalltheirmotivesofactionand,toharpalittleonanoldstring,havingbeen
solelyemployedeithertopreparethemselvestoexcitelove,oractuallyputtingtheirlessonsinpractice,they
cannotlivewithoutlove.But,whenasenseofduty,orfearofshame,obligesthemtorestrainthispampered
desireofpleasingbeyondcertainlengths,toofarfordelicacy,itistrue,thoughfarfromcriminality,they
obstinatelydeterminetolove,Ispeakoftheirpassion,theirhusbandstotheendofthechapterandthen
actingthepartwhichtheyfoolishlyexactedfromtheirlovers,theybecomeabjectwooers,andfondslaves.

Menofwitandfancyareoftenrakesandfancyisthefoodoflove.Suchmenwillinspirepassion.Halfthe
sex,initspresentinfantinestate,wouldpineforaLovelaceamansowitty,sograceful,andsovaliantand
cantheyDESERVEblameforactingaccordingtoprinciplessoconstantlyinculcated?Theywantaloverand
protector:andbeholdhimkneelingbeforethembraveryprostratetobeauty!Thevirtuesofahusbandare
thusthrownbyloveintothebackground,andgayhopes,orlivelyemotions,banishreflectiontillthedayof
reckoningcomesandcomeitsurelywill,toturnthesprightlyloverintoasurlysuspicioustyrant,who
contemptuouslyinsultstheveryweaknesshefostered.Or,supposingtherakereformed,hecannotquickly
getridofoldhabits.Whenamanofabilitiesisfirstcarriedawaybyhispassions,itisnecessarythat
sentimentandtastevarnishtheenormitiesofvice,andgiveazesttobrutalindulgences:butwhenthegloss
ofnoveltyiswornoff,andpleasurepallsuponthesense,lasciviousnessbecomesbarefaced,andenjoyment
onlythedesperateeffortofweaknessflyingfromreflectionasfromalegionofdevils.Oh!virtue,thouart
notanemptyname!Allthatlifecangivethougivest!

Ifmuchcomfortcannotbeexpectedfromthefriendshipofareformedrakeofsuperiorabilities,whatisthe
consequencewhenhelackethsense,aswellasprinciples?Verilymiseryinitsmosthideousshape.Whenthe
habitsofweakpeopleareconsolidatedbytime,areformationisbarelypossibleandactuallymakesthe
beingsmiserablewhohavenotsufficientmindtobeamusedbyinnocentpleasurelikethetradesmanwho
retiresfromthehurryofbusiness,naturepresentstothemonlyauniversalblankandtherestlessthoughts
preyonthedampedspirits.Theirreformationaswellashisretirementactuallymakesthemwretched,
becauseitdeprivesthemofallemployment,byquenchingthehopesandfearsthatsetinmotiontheir
sluggishminds.

Ifsuchbetheforceofhabitifsuchbethebondageoffolly,howcarefullyoughtwetoguardthemindfrom
storingupviciousassociationsandequallycarefulshouldwebetocultivatetheunderstanding,tosavethe
poorwightfromtheweakdependentstateofevenharmlessignorance.Foritistherightuseofreasonalone
whichmakesusindependentofeverythingexceptingtheuncloudedReason"Whoseserviceisperfect
freedom."

CHAPTER7.

MODESTYCOMPREHENSIVELYCONSIDEREDANDNOTASASEXUALVIRTUE.
Modesty!Sacredoffspringofsensibilityandreason!truedelicacyofmind!mayIunblamedpresumeto
investigatethynature,andtracetoitscovertthemildcharm,thatmellowingeachharshfeatureofa
character,renderswhatwouldotherwiseonlyinspirecoldadmirationlovely!Thouthatsmoothestthe
wrinklesofwisdom,andsoftenestthetoneofthemoresublimevirtuestilltheyallmeltintohumanity!thou
thatspreadesttheetherealcloudthatsurroundingloveheightenseverybeauty,ithalfshades,breathingthose
coysweetsthatstealintotheheart,andcharmthesensesmodulateformethelanguageofpersuasive
reason,tillIrousemysexfromtheflowerybed,onwhichtheysupinelysleeplifeaway!

Inspeakingoftheassociationofourideas,Ihavenoticedtwodistinctmodesandindefiningmodesty,it
appearstomeequallypropertodiscriminatethatpurityofmind,whichistheeffectofchastity,froma
simplicityofcharacterthatleadsustoformajustopinionofourselves,equallydistantfromvanityor
presumption,thoughbynomeansincompatiblewithaloftyconsciousnessofourowndignity.Modestyin
thelattersignificationoftheterm,isthatsobernessofmindwhichteachesamannottothinkmorehighlyof
himselfthanheoughttothink,andshouldbedistinguishedfromhumility,becausehumilityisakindofself
abasement.Amodestmanoftenconceivesagreatplan,andtenaciouslyadherestoit,consciousofhisown
strength,tillsuccessgivesitasanctionthatdeterminesitscharacter.Miltonwasnotarrogantwhenhe
sufferedasuggestionofjudgmenttoescapehimthatprovedaprophesynorwasGeneralWashingtonwhen
heacceptedofthecommandoftheAmericanforces.Thelatterhasalwaysbeencharacterizedasamodest
manbuthadhebeenmerelyhumble,hewouldprobablyhaveshrunkbackirresolute,afraidoftrustingto
himselfthedirectionofanenterpriseonwhichsomuchdepended.

Amodestmanissteady,anhumblemantimid,andavainonepresumptuousthisisthejudgment,whichthe
observationofmanycharacters,hasledmetoform.JesusChristwasmodest,Moseswashumble,andPeter
vain.

Thusdiscriminatingmodestyfromhumilityinonecase,Idonotmeantoconfounditwithbashfulnessinthe
other.Bashfulness,infact,issodistinctfrommodesty,thatthemostbashfullass,orrawcountrylout,often
becomesthemostimpudentfortheirbashfulnessbeingmerelytheinstinctivetimidityofignorance,custom
soonchangesitintoassurance.*

(*Footnote."Suchisthecountrymaiden'sfright,
Whenfirstaredcoatisinsight
Behindthedoorshehidesherface,
Nexttimeatdistanceeyesthelace:
Shenowcanallhisterrorsstand,
Norfromhissqueezewithdrawsherhand,
Sheplaysfamiliarinhisarms,
Andeverysoldierhathhischarms
>Fromtenttotentshespreadsherflame
Forcustomconquersfearandshame.")

TheshamelessbehaviouroftheprostituteswhoinfestthestreetsofLondon,raisingalternateemotionsof
pityanddisgust,mayservetoillustratethisremark.Theytrampleonvirginbashfulnesswithasortof
bravado,andgloryingintheirshame,becomemoreaudaciouslylewdthanmen,howeverdepraved,towhom
thesexualqualityhasnotbeengratuitouslygranted,everappeartobe.Butthesepoorignorantwretches
neverhadanymodestytolose,whentheyconsignedthemselvestoinfamyformodestyisavirtuenota
quality.No,theywereonlybashful,shamefacedinnocentsandlosingtheirinnocence,theirshame
facednesswasrudelybrushedoffavirtuewouldhaveleftsomevestigesinthemind,haditbeensacrificed
topassion,tomakeusrespectthegrandruin.

Purityofmind,orthatgenuinedelicacy,whichistheonlyvirtuoussupportofchastity,isnearakintothat
refinementofhumanity,whichneverresidesinanybutcultivatedminds.Itissomethingnoblerthan
innocenceitisthedelicacyofreflection,andnotthecoynessofignorance.Thereserveofreason,whichlike
habitualcleanliness,isseldomseeninanygreatdegree,unlessthesoulisactive,mayeasilybedistinguished
fromrusticshynessorwantonskittishnessandsofarfrombeingincompatiblewithknowledge,itisits
fairestfruit.Whatagrossideaofmodestyhadthewriterofthefollowingremark!"Theladywhoaskedthe
questionwhetherwomenmaybeinstructedinthemodernsystemofbotany,consistentlywithfemale
delicacy?"wasaccusedofridiculousprudery:nevertheless,ifshehadproposedthequestiontome,Ishould
certainlyhaveansweredTheycannot."Thusisthefairbookofknowledgetobeshutwithaneverlasting
seal!OnreadingsimilarpassagesIhavereverentiallyliftedupmyeyesandhearttoHimwholivethforever
andever,andsaid,OmyFather,hastThoubytheveryconstitutionofhernatureforbidThychildtoseek
Theeinthefairformsoftruth?And,canhersoulbesulliedbytheknowledgethatawfullycallshertoThee?

IhavethenphilosophicallypursuedthesereflectionstillIinferred,thatthosewomenwhohavemost
improvedtheirreasonmusthavethemostmodestythoughadignifiedsedatenessofdeportmentmayhave
succeededtheplayful,bewitchingbashfulnessofyouth.*

(*Footnote.Modesty,isthegracefulcalmvirtueofmaturitybashfulness,thecharmofvivaciousyouth.)

AndthushaveIargued.Torenderchastitythevirtuefromwhichunsophisticatedmodestywillnaturally
flow,theattentionshouldbecalledawayfromemployments,whichonlyexercisethesensibilityandthe
heartmadetobeattimetohumanity,ratherthantothrobwithlove.Thewomanwhohasdedicateda
considerableportionofhertimetopursuitspurelyintellectual,andwhoseaffectionshavebeenexercisedby
humaneplansofusefulness,musthavemorepurityofmind,asanaturalconsequence,thantheignorant
beingswhosetimeandthoughtshavebeenoccupiedbygaypleasuresorschemestoconquerhearts.The
regulationofthebehaviourisnotmodesty,thoughthosewhostudyrulesofdecorum,are,ingeneraltermed
modestwomen.Maketheheartclean,letitexpandandfeelforallthatishuman,insteadofbeingnarrowed
byselfishpassionsandletthemindfrequentlycontemplatesubjectsthatexercisetheunderstanding,without
heatingtheimagination,andartlessmodestywillgivethefinishingtouchestothepicture.

Shewhocandiscernthedawnofimmortality,inthestreaksthatshootathwartthemistynightofignorance,
promisingaclearerday,willrespect,asasacredtemple,thebodythatenshrinessuchanimprovablesoul.
Truelove,likewise,spreadsthiskindofmysterioussanctityroundthebelovedobject,makingthelovermost
modestwheninherpresence.Soreservedisaffection,that,receivingorreturningpersonalendearments,it
wishes,notonlytoshunthehumaneye,asakindofprofanationbuttodiffuseanencirclingcloudy
obscuritytoshutouteventhesaucysparklingsunbeams.Yet,thataffectiondoesnotdeservetheepithetof
chastewhichdoesnotreceiveasublimegloomoftendermelancholy,thatallowsthemindforamomentto
standstillandenjoythepresentsatisfaction,whenaconsciousnessoftheDivinepresenceisfeltforthis
musteverbethefoodofjoy!

AsIhavealwaysbeenfondoftracingtoitssourceinnatureanyprevailingcustom,Ihavefrequently
thoughtthatitwasasentimentofaffectionforwhateverhadtouchedthepersonofanabsentorlostfriend,
whichgavebirthtothatrespectforrelics,somuchabusedbyselfishpriests.Devotion,orlove,maybe
allowedtohallowthegarmentsaswellasthepersonforthelovermustwantfancy,whohasnotasortof
sacredrespectforthegloveorslipperofhismistress.Hecouldnotconfoundthemwithvulgarthingsofthe
samekind.

Thisfinesentiment,perhaps,wouldnotbeartobeanalyzedbytheexperimentalphilosopherbutofsuch
stuffishumanrapturemadeup!Ashadowyphantomglidesbeforeus,obscuringeveryotherobjectyet
whenthesoftcloudisgrasped,theformmeltsintocommonair,leavingasolitaryvoid,orsweetperfume,
stolenfromtheviolet,thatmemorylongholdsdear.But,Ihavetrippedunawaresonfairyground,feelingthe
balmygaleofspringstealingonme,thoughNovemberfrowns.

Asasex,womenaremorechastethanmen,andasmodestyistheeffectofchastity,theymaydeserveto
havethisvirtueascribedtotheminratheranappropriatedsenseyet,Imustbeallowedtoaddanhesitating
if:forIdoubt,whetherchastitywillproducemodesty,thoughitmayproprietyofconduct,whenitis
merelyarespectfortheopinionoftheworld,andwhencoquetryandthelovelorntalesofnovelistsemploy
thethoughts.Nay,fromexperience,andreason,Ishouldbeleadtoexpecttomeetwithmoremodesty
amongstmenthanwomen,simplybecausemenexercisetheirunderstandingsmorethanwomen.

But,withrespecttoproprietyofbehaviour,exceptingoneclassoffemales,womenhaveevidentlythe
advantage.Whatcanbemoredisgustingthanthatimpudentdrossofgallantry,thoughtsomanly,which
makesmanymenstareinsultinglyateveryfemaletheymeet?Isthisrespectforthesex?Thisloose
behaviourshowssuchhabitualdepravity,suchweaknessofmind,thatitisvaintoexpectmuchpublicor
privatevirtue,tillbothmenandwomengrowmoremodesttillmen,curbingasensualfondnessforthesex,
oranaffectationofmanlyassurance,moreproperlyspeaking,impudence,treateachotherwithrespect
unlessappetiteorpassiongivesthetone,peculiartoit,totheirbehaviour.Imeanevenpersonalrespectthe
modestrespectofhumanity,andfellowfeelingnotthelibidinousmockeryofgallantry,northeinsolent
condescensionofprotectorship.

Tocarrytheobservationstillfurther,modestymustheartilydisclaim,andrefusetodwellwiththat
debaucheryofmind,whichleadsamancoollytobringforward,withoutablush,indecentallusions,or
obscenewitticisms,inthepresenceofafellowcreaturewomenarenowoutofthequestion,forthenitis
brutality.Respectforman,asmanisthefoundationofeverynoblesentiment.Howmuchmoremodestisthe
libertinewhoobeysthecallofappetiteorfancy,thanthelewdjokerwhosetsthetableinaroar.

Thisisoneofthemanyinstancesinwhichthesexualdistinctionrespectingmodestyhasprovedfatalto
virtueandhappiness.Itis,however,carriedstillfurther,andwoman,weakwoman!madebyhereducation
theslaveofsensibility,isrequired,onthemosttryingoccasions,toresistthatsensibility."Cananything,"
saysKnox,bemoreabsurdthankeepingwomeninastateofignorance,andyetsovehementlytoinsiston
theirresistingtemptation?Thuswhenvirtueorhonourmakeitpropertocheckapassion,theburdenis
thrownontheweakershoulders,contrarytoreasonandtruemodesty,which,atleast,shouldrendertheself
denialmutual,tosaynothingofthegenerosityofbravery,supposedtobeamanlyvirtue.

InthesamestrainrunsRousseau'sandDr.Gregory'sadvicerespectingmodesty,strangelymiscalled!forthey
bothdesireawifetoleaveitindoubt,whethersensibilityorweaknessledhertoherhusband'sarms.The
womanisimmodestwhocanlettheshadowofsuchadoubtremainonherhusband'smindamoment.

Buttostatethesubjectinadifferentlight.Thewantofmodesty,whichIprincipallydeploreassubversiveof
morality,arisesfromthestateofwarfaresostrenuouslysupportedbyvoluptuousmenastheveryessenceof
modesty,though,infact,itsbanebecauseitisarefinementonsensualdesire,thatmenfallintowhohave
notsufficientvirtuetorelishtheinnocentpleasuresoflove.Amanofdelicacycarrieshisnotionsofmodesty
stillfurther,forneitherweaknessnorsensibilitywillgratifyhimhelooksforaffection.

Againmenboastoftheirtriumphsoverwomen,whatdotheyboastof?Trulythecreatureofsensibilitywas
surprisedbyhersensibilityintofollyintovice*andthedreadfulreckoningfallsheavilyonherownweak
head,whenreasonwakes.Forwhereartthoutofindcomfort,forlornanddisconsolateone?Hewhooughtto
havedirectedthyreason,andsupportedthyweakness,hasbetrayedthee!Inadreamofpassionthou
consentedsttowanderthroughflowerylawns,andheedlesslysteppingovertheprecipicetowhichthyguide,
insteadofguarding,luredthee,thoustartestfromthydreamonlytofaceasneering,frowningworld,andto
findthyselfaloneinawaste,forhethattriumphedinthyweaknessisnowpursuingnewconquestsbutfor
theethereisnoredemptiononthissidethegrave!Andwhatresourcehastthouinanenervatedmindto
raiseasinkingheart?

(*Footnote.Thepoormothflutteringroundacandle,burnsitswings.)

But,ifthesexesbereallytoliveinastateofwarfare,ifnaturehaspointeditout,letmenactnobly,orlet
pridewhispertothem,thatthevictoryismeanwhentheymerelyvanquishsensibility.Therealconquestis
thatoveraffectionnottakenbysurprisewhen,likeHeloisa,awomangivesupalltheworld,deliberately,
forlove.Idonotnowconsiderthewisdomorvirtueofsuchasacrifice,Ionlycontendthatitwasasacrifice
toaffection,andnotmerelytosensibility,thoughshehadhershare.AndImustbeallowedtocallhera
modestwoman,beforeIdismissthispartofthesubject,bysaying,thattillmenaremorechaste,womenwill
beimmodest.Where,indeed,couldmodestwomenfindhusbandsfromwhomtheywouldnotcontinually
turnwithdisgust?Modestymustbeequallycultivatedbybothsexes,oritwilleverremainasicklyhot
houseplant,whilsttheaffectationofit,thefigleafborrowedbywantonness,maygiveazesttovoluptuous
enjoyments.)

Menwillprobablystillinsistthatwomanoughttohavemoremodestythanmanbutitisnotdispassionate
reasonerswhowillmostearnestlyopposemyopinion.No,theyarethemenoffancy,thefavouritesofthe
sex,whooutwardlyrespect,andinwardlydespisetheweakcreatureswhomtheythussportwith.They
cannotsubmittoresignthehighestsensualgratification,noreventorelishtheepicurismofvirtueself
denial.

Totakeanotherviewofthesubject,confiningmyremarkstowomen.
Theridiculousfalsitieswhicharetoldtochildren,frommistakennotionsofmodesty,tendveryearlyto
inflametheirimaginationsandsettheirlittlemindstowork,respectingsubjects,whichnatureneverintended
theyshouldthinkof,tillthebodyarrivedatsomedegreeofmaturitythenthepassionsnaturallybeginto
takeplaceofthesenses,asinstrumentstounfoldtheunderstanding,andformthemoralcharacter.

Innurseries,andboardingschools,Ifear,girlsarefirstspoiledparticularlyinthelatter.Anumberofgirls
sleepinthesameroom,andwashtogether.And,thoughIshouldbesorrytocontaminateaninnocent
creature'smindbyinstillingfalsedelicacy,orthoseindecentprudishnotions,whichearlycautionsrespecting
theothersexnaturallyengender,Ishouldbeveryanxioustopreventtheiracquiringindelicate,orimmodest
habitsandasmanygirlshavelearnedveryindelicatetricks,fromignorantservants,themixingthemthus
indiscriminatelytogether,isveryimproper.

Tosaythetruth,womenare,ingeneral,toofamiliarwitheachother,whichleadstothatgrossdegreeof
familiaritythatsofrequentlyrendersthemarriagestateunhappy.Whyinthenameofdecencyaresisters,
femaleintimates,orladiesandtheirwaitingwomen,tobesogrosslyfamiliarastoforgettherespectwhich
onehumancreatureowestoanother?Thatsqueamishdelicacywhichshrinksfromthemostdisgusting
officeswhenaffectionorhumanityleadustowatchatasickpillow,isdespicable.But,whywomeninhealth
shouldbemorefamiliarwitheachotherthanmenare,whentheyboastoftheirsuperiourdelicacy,isa
solecisminmannerswhichIcouldneversolve.

Inordertopreservehealthandbeauty,Ishouldearnestlyrecommendfrequentablutions,todignifymy
advicethatitmaynotoffendthefastidiousearand,byexample,girlsoughttobetaughttowashanddress
alone,withoutanydistinctionofrankandifcustomshouldmakethemrequiresomelittleassistance,let
themnotrequireittillthatpartofthebusinessisoverwhichoughtnevertobedonebeforeafellowcreature
becauseitisaninsulttothemajestyofhumannature.Notonthescoreofmodesty,butdecencyforthecare
whichsomemodestwomentake,makingatthesametimeadisplayofthatcare,nottolettheirlegsbeseen,
isaschildishasimmodest.*

(*Footnote.Iremembertohavemetwithasentence,inabookofeducationthatmademesmile."Itwouldbe
needlesstocautionyouagainstputtingyourhand,bychance,underyourneckhandkerchiefforamodest
womanneverdidso!")

Icouldproceedstillfurther,tillIanimadvertedonsomestillmoreindelicatecustoms,whichmenneverfall
into.Secretsaretoldwheresilenceoughttoreignandthatregardtocleanliness,whichsomereligious
sectshave,perhaps,carriedtoofar,especiallytheEssenes,amongsttheJews,bymakingthataninsultto
Godwhichisonlyaninsulttohumanity,isviolatedinabrutalmanner.HowcanDELICATEwomenobtrude
onnoticethatpartoftheanimaleconomy,whichissoverydisgusting?Andisitnotveryrationalto
conclude,thatthewomenwhohavenotbeentaughttorespectthehumannatureoftheirownsex,inthese
particulars,willnotlongrespectthemeredifferenceofsex,intheirhusbands?Aftertheirmaidenish
bashfulnessisoncelost,I,infact,havegenerallyobserved,thatwomenfallintooldhabitsandtreattheir
husbandsastheydidtheirsistersorfemaleacquaintance.

Besides,womenfromnecessity,becausetheirmindsarenotcultivated,haverecourseveryoften,towhatI
familiarlytermbodilywitandtheirintimaciesareofthesamekind.Inshort,withrespecttobothmindand
body,theyaretoointimate.Thatdecentpersonalreserve,whichisthefoundationofdignityofcharacter,
mustbekeptupbetweenwomen,ortheirmindswillnevergainstrengthormodesty.

Onthisaccountalso,Iobjecttomanyfemalesbeingshutuptogetherinnurseries,schools,orconvents.I
cannotrecollectwithoutindignation,thejokesandhoidentricks,whichknotsofyoungwomenindulged
themselvesin,wheninmyyouthaccidentthrewme,anawkwardrustic,intheirway.Theywerealmostona
parwiththedoublemeanings,whichshaketheconvivialtablewhentheglasshascirculatedfreely.Butitis
vaintoattempttokeeptheheartpure,unlesstheheadisfurnishedwithideas,andsettoworktocompare
them,inorder,toacquirejudgment,bygeneralizingsimpleonesandmodestybymakingtheunderstanding
dampthesensibility.

ItmaybethoughtthatIlaytoogreatastressonpersonalreservebutitiseverthehandmaidofmodesty.So
thatwereItonamethegracesthatoughttoadornbeauty,Ishouldinstantlyexclaim,cleanliness,neatness,
andpersonalreserve.Itisobvious,Isuppose,thatthereserveImean,hasnothingsexualinit,andthatI
thinkitEQUALLYnecessaryinbothsexes.Sonecessaryindeed,isthatreserveandcleanlinesswhich
indolentwomentoooftenneglect,thatIwillventuretoaffirm,thatwhentwoorthreewomenliveinthe
samehouse,theonewillbemostrespectedbythemalepartofthefamily,whoresidewiththem,leaving
loveentirelyoutofthequestion,whopaysthiskindofhabitualrespecttoherperson.

Whendomesticfriendsmeetinamorning,therewillnaturallyprevailanaffectionateseriousness,especially,
ifeachlookforwardtothedischargeofdailydutiesanditmaybereckonedfanciful,butthissentimenthas
frequentlyrisenspontaneouslyinmymind.Ihavebeenpleasedafterbreathingthesweetbracingmorning
air,toseethesamekindoffreshnessinthecountenancesIparticularlylovedIwasgladtoseethembraced,
asitwere,fortheday,andreadytoruntheircoursewiththesun.Thegreetingsofaffectioninthemorning
arebythesemeansmorerespectful,thanthefamiliartendernesswhichfrequentlyprolongstheeveningtalk.
Nay,Ihaveoftenfelthurt,nottosaydisgusted,whenafriendhasappeared,whomIpartedwithfulldressed
theeveningbefore,withherclotheshuddledon,becauseshechosetoindulgeherselfinbedtillthelast
moment.

Domesticaffectioncanonlybekeptalivebytheseneglectedattentionsyetifmenandwomentookhalfas
muchpainstodresshabituallyneat,astheydotoornament,orrathertodisfiguretheirpersons,muchwould
bedonetowardstheattainmentofpurityofmind.Butwomenonlydresstogratifymenofgallantryforthe
loverisalwaysbestpleasedwiththesimplegarbthatsitsclosetotheshape.Thereisanimpertinencein
ornamentsthatrebuffsaffectionbecauselovealwaysclingsroundtheideaofhome.

Asasex,womenarehabituallyindolentandeverythingtendstomakethemso.Idonotforgetthestartsof
activitywhichsensibilityproducesbutastheseflightsoffeelingonlyincreasetheevil,theyarenottobe
confoundedwiththeslow,orderlywalkofreason.Sogreat,inreality,istheirmentalandbodilyindolence,
thattilltheirbodybestrengthenedandtheirunderstandingenlargedbyactiveexertions,thereislittlereason
toexpectthatmodestywilltakeplaceofbashfulness.Theymayfinditprudenttoassumeitssemblancebut
thefairveilwillonlybewornongaladays.

Perhapsthereisnotavirtuethatmixessokindlywitheveryotherasmodesty.Itisthepalemoonbeamthat
rendersmoreinterestingeveryvirtueitsoftens,givingmildgrandeurtothecontractedhorizon.Nothingcan
bemorebeautifulthanthepoeticalfiction,whichmakesDianawithhersilvercrescent,thegoddessof
chastity.Ihavesometimesthought,thatwanderingwithsedatestepinsomelonelyrecess,amodestdameof
antiquitymusthavefeltaglowofconsciousdignity,when,aftercontemplatingthesoftshadowylandscape,
shehasinvitedwithplacidfervourthemildreflectionofhersister'sbeamstoturntoherchastebosom.

AChristianhasstillnoblermotivestoincitehertopreserveherchastityandacquiremodesty,forherbody
hasbeencalledtheTempleofthelivingGodofthatGodwhorequiresmorethanmodestyofmien.Hiseye
searcheththeheartandletherremember,thatifshehopethtofindfavourinthesightofpurityitself,her
chastitymustbefoundedonmodesty,andnotonworldlyprudenceorverilyagoodreputationwillbeher
onlyrewardforthatawfulintercourse,thatsacredcommunion,whichvirtueestablishesbetweenmanand
hisMaker,mustgiverisetothewishofbeingpureasheispure!

Aftertheforegoingremarks,itisalmostsuperfluoustoadd,thatIconsiderallthosefeminineairsof
maturity,whichsucceedbashfulness,towhichtruthissacrificed,tosecuretheheartofahusband,orrather
toforcehimtobestillaloverwhennaturewould,hadshenotbeeninterruptedinheroperations,havemade
lovegiveplacetofriendship,asimmodest.Thetendernesswhichamanwillfeelforthemotherofhis
childrenisanexcellentsubstitutefortheardourofunsatisfiedpassionbuttoprolongthatardouritis
indelicate,nottosayimmodest,forwomentofeignanunnaturalcoldnessofconstitution.Womenaswellas
menoughttohavethecommonappetitesandpassionsoftheirnature,theyareonlybrutalwhenunchecked
byreason:buttheobligationtocheckthemisthedutyofmankind,notasexualduty.Nature,inthese
respects,maysafelybelefttoherselfletwomenonlyacquireknowledgeandhumanity,andlovewillteach
themmodesty.Thereisnoneedoffalsehoods,disgustingasfutile,forstudiedrulesofbehaviouronly
imposeonshallowobserversamanofsensesoonseesthrough,anddespisestheaffectation.

Thebehaviourofyoungpeople,toeachother,asmenandwomen,isthelastthingthatshouldbethoughtof
ineducation.Infact,behaviourinmostcircumstancesisnowsomuchthoughtof,thatsimplicityofcharacter
israrelytobeseenyet,ifmenwereonlyanxioustocultivateeachvirtue,andletittakerootfirmlyinthe
mind,thegraceresultingfromit,itsnaturalexteriourmark,wouldsoonstripaffectationofitsflaunting
plumesbecause,fallaciousasunstable,istheconductthatisnotfoundedupontruth!
(Footnote.Thebehaviourofmanynewlymarriedwomenhasoftendisgustedme.Theyseemanxiousnever
tolettheirhusbandsforgettheprivilegeofmarriage,andtofindnopleasureinhissocietyunlessheisacting
thelover.Short,indeed,mustbethereignoflove,whentheflameisthusconstantlyblownup,withoutits
receivinganysolidfuel.)

Wouldye,Omysisters,reallypossessmodesty,yemustrememberthatthepossessionofvirtue,ofany
denomination,isincompatiblewithignoranceandvanity!yemustacquirethatsobernessofmind,whichthe
exerciseofduties,andthepursuitofknowledge,aloneinspire,oryewillstillremaininadoubtfuldependent
situation,andonlybelovedwhilstyearefair!thedowncasteye,therosyblush,theretiringgrace,areall
properintheirseasonbutmodesty,beingthechildofreason,cannotlongexistwiththesensibilitythatisnot
temperedbyreflection.Besides,whenlove,eveninnocentlove,isthewholeemployofyourlives,your
heartswillbetoosofttoaffordmodestythattranquilretreat,whereshedelightstodwell,incloseunionwith
humanity.

CHAPTER8.

MORALITYUNDERMINEDBYSEXUALNOTIONSOFTHEIMPORTANCEOFAGOODREPUTATION.

Ithaslongsinceoccurredtome,thatadvicerespectingbehaviour,andallthevariousmodesofpreservinga
goodreputation,whichhavebeensostrenuouslyinculcatedonthefemaleworld,werespeciouspoisons,that
incrustingmoralityeatawaythesubstance.And,thatthismeasuringofshadowsproducedafalse
calculation,becausetheirlengthdependssomuchontheheightofthesun,andotheradventitious
circumstances.

>Fromwhencearisestheeasyfallaciousbehaviourofacourtier?>Fromthissituation,undoubtedly:for
standinginneedofdependents,heisobligedtolearntheartofdenyingwithoutgivingoffence,and,of
evasivelyfeedinghopewiththechameleon'sfoodthusdoespolitenesssportwithtruth,andeatingawaythe
sincerityandhumanitynaturaltoman,producethefinegentleman.

Womeninthesamewayacquire,fromasupposednecessity,anequallyartificialmodeofbehaviour.Yet
truthisnotwithimpunitytobesportedwith,forthepractiseddissembler,atlast,becomesthedupeofhis
ownarts,losesthatsagacitywhichhasbeenjustlytermedcommonsensenamely,aquickperceptionof
commontruths:whichareconstantlyreceivedassuchbytheunsophisticatedmind,thoughitmightnothave
hadsufficientenergytodiscoverthemitself,whenobscuredbylocalprejudices.Thegreaternumberof
peopletaketheiropinionsontrust,toavoidthetroubleofexercisingtheirownminds,andtheseindolent
beingsnaturallyadheretotheletter,ratherthanthespiritofalaw,divineorhuman."Women,"sayssome
author,Icannotrecollectwho,"mindnotwhatonlyheavensees."Why,indeedshouldthey?itistheeyeof
manthattheyhavebeentaughttodreadandiftheycanlulltheirArgustosleep,theyseldomthinkof
heavenorthemselves,becausetheirreputationissafeanditisreputationnotchastityandallitsfairtrain,
thattheyareemployedtokeepfreefromspot,notasavirtue,buttopreservetheirstationintheworld.

Toprovethetruthofthisremark,Ineedonlyadverttotheintriguesofmarriedwomen,particularlyinhigh
life,andincountrieswherewomenaresuitablymarried,accordingtotheirrespectiveranksbytheirparents.
Ifaninnocentgirlbecomeapreytolove,sheisdegradedforever,thoughhermindwasnotpollutedbythe
artswhichmarriedwomen,undertheconvenientcloakofmarriage,practisenorhassheviolatedanyduty
butthedutyofrespectingherself.Themarriedwoman,onthecontrary,breaksamostsacredengagement,
andbecomesacruelmotherwhensheisafalseandfaithlesswife.Ifherhusbandhasstillanaffectionfor
her,theartswhichshemustpractisetodeceivehim,willrenderherthemostcontemptibleofhumanbeings
andatanyrate,thecontrivancesnecessarytopreserveappearances,willkeephermindinthatchildishor
vicioustumultwhichdestroysallitsenergy.Besides,intime,likethosepeoplewhohabituallytakecordials
toraisetheirspirits,shewillwantanintriguetogivelifetoherthoughts,havinglostallrelishforpleasures
thatarenothighlyseasonedbyhopeorfear.

SometimesmarriedwomenactstillmoreaudaciouslyIwillmentionaninstance.

Awomanofquality,notoriousforhergallantries,thoughasshestilllivedwithherhusband,nobodychoseto
placeherintheclasswheresheoughttohavebeenplaced,madeapointoftreatingwiththemostinsulting
contemptapoortimidcreature,abashedbyasenseofherformerweakness,whomaneighbouringgentleman
hadseducedandafterwardsmarried.Thiswomanhadactuallyconfoundedvirtuewithreputationand,Ido
believe,valuedherselfontheproprietyofherbehaviourbeforemarriage,thoughwhenoncesettled,tothe
satisfactionofherfamily,sheandherlordwereequallyfaithlesssothatthehalfaliveheirtoanimmense
estatecamefromheavenknowswhere!

Toviewthissubjectinanotherlight.

Ihaveknownanumberofwomenwho,iftheydidnotlovetheirhusbands,lovednobodyelse,giving
themselvesentirelyuptovanityanddissipation,neglectingeverydomesticdutynay,evensquandering
awayallthemoneywhichshouldhavebeensavedfortheirhelplessyoungerchildren,yethaveplumed
themselvesontheirunsulliedreputation,asifthewholecompassoftheirdutyaswivesandmotherswas
onlytopreserveit.Whilstotherindolentwomen,neglectingeverypersonalduty,havethoughtthatthey
deservedtheirhusband'saffection,becausetheyactedinthisrespectwithpropriety.

Weakmindsarealwaysfondofrestingintheceremonialsofduty,butmoralityoffersmuchsimplermotives
anditweretobewishedthatsuperficialmoralistshadsaidlessrespectingbehaviour,andoutward
observances,forunlessvirtue,ofanykind,isbuiltonknowledge,itwillonlyproduceakindofinsipid
decency.Respectfortheopinionoftheworld,has,however,beentermedtheprincipaldutyofwomaninthe
mostexpresswords,forRousseaudeclares,"thatreputationisnolessindispensablethanchastity.""Aman,"
addshe,"secureinhisowngoodconduct,dependsonlyonhimself,andmaybravethepublicopinionbuta
woman,inbehavingwell,performsbuthalfherdutyaswhatisthoughtofher,isasimportanttoheraswhat
shereallyis.Itfollowshence,thatthesystemofawoman'seducationshould,inthisrespect,bedirectly
contrarytothatofours.Opinionisthegraveofvirtueamongthemenbutitsthroneamongwomen."Itis
strictlylogicaltoinfer,thatthevirtuethatrestsonopinionismerelyworldly,andthatitisthevirtueofa
beingtowhomreasonhasbeendenied.But,evenwithrespecttotheopinionoftheworld,Iamconvinced,
thatthisclassofreasonersaremistaken.

Thisregardforreputation,independentofitsbeingoneofthenaturalrewardsofvirtue,however,tookits
risefromacausethatIhavealreadydeploredasthegrandsourceoffemaledepravity,theimpossibilityof
regainingrespectabilitybyareturntovirtue,thoughmenpreservetheirsduringtheindulgenceofvice.It
wasnaturalforwomenthentoendeavourtopreservewhatoncelostwaslostforever,tillthiscare
swallowingupeveryothercare,reputationforchastity,becametheonethingneedfultothesex.Butvainis
thescrupulosityofignorance,forneitherreligionnorvirtue,whentheyresideintheheart,requiresucha
puerileattentiontomereceremonies,becausethebehaviourmust,uponthewholebeproper,whenthe
motiveispure.

TosupportmyopinionIcanproduceveryrespectableauthorityandtheauthorityofacoolreasoneroughtto
haveweighttoenforceconsideration,thoughnottoestablishasentiment.Speakingofthegenerallawsof
morality,Dr.Smithobserves"Thatbysomeveryextraordinaryandunluckycircumstance,agoodmanmay
cometobesuspectedofacrimeofwhichhewasaltogetherincapable,anduponthataccountbemost
unjustlyexposedfortheremainingpartofhislifetothehorrorandaversionofmankind.Byanaccidentof
thiskindhemaybesaidtolosehisall,notwithstandinghisintegrityandjustice,inthesamemannerasa
cautiousman,notwithstandinghisutmostcircumspection,mayberuinedbyanearthquakeoraninundation.
Accidentsofthefirstkind,however,areperhapsstillmorerare,andstillmorecontrarytothecommon
courseofthingsthanthoseofthesecondanditstillremainstrue,thatthepracticeoftruth,justiceand
humanity,isacertainandalmostinfalliblemethodofacquiringwhatthosevirtueschieflyaimat,the
confidenceandloveofthosewelivewith.Apersonmaybeeasilymisrepresentedwithregardtoaparticular
actionbutitisscarcelypossiblethatheshouldbesowithregardtothegeneraltenorofhisconduct.An
innocentmanmaybebelievedtohavedonewrong:this,however,willrarelyhappen.Onthecontrary,the
establishedopinionoftheinnocenceofhismannerswilloftenleadustoabsolvehimwherehehasreally
beeninthefault,notwithstandingverystrongpresumptions."

Iperfectlycoincideinopinionwiththiswriter,forIverilybelieve,thatfewofeithersexwereeverdespised
forcertainviceswithoutdeservingtobedespised.Ispeaknotofthecalumnyofthemoment,whichhangs
overacharacter,likeoneofthedensefogsofNovemberoverthismetropolis,tillitgraduallysubsidesbefore
thecommonlightofday,Ionlycontend,thatthedailyconductofthemajorityprevailstostamptheir
characterwiththeimpressionoftruth.Quietlydoestheclearlight,shiningdayafterday,refutetheignorant
surmise,ormalicioustale,whichhasthrowndirtonapurecharacter.Afalselightdistorted,forashorttime,
itsshadowreputationbutitseldomfailstobecomejustwhenthecloudisdispersedthatproducedthe
mistakeinvision.

Manypeople,undoubtedlyinseveralrespects,obtainabetterreputationthan,strictlyspeaking,theydeserve,
forunremittingindustrywillmostlyreachitsgoalinallraces.Theywhoonlystriveforthispaltryprize,like
thePharisees,whoprayedatthecornersofstreets,tobeseenofmen,verilyobtaintherewardtheyseekfor
theheartofmancannotbereadbyman!Stillthefairfamethatisnaturallyreflectedbygoodactions,when
themanisonlyemployedtodirecthisstepsaright,regardlessofthelookerson,isingeneral,notonlymore
truebutmoresure.

Thereare,itistrue,trialswhenthegoodmanmustappealtoGodfromtheinjusticeofmanandamidstthe
whiningcandourorhissingofenvy,erectapavilioninhisownmindtoretireto,tilltherumourbeoverpast
nay,thedartsofundeservedcensuremaypierceaninnocenttenderbosomthroughwithmanysorrowsbut
theseareallexceptionstogeneralrules.Anditisaccordingtothesecommonlawsthathumanbehaviour
oughttoberegulated.Theeccentricorbitofthecometneverinfluencesastronomicalcalculationsrespecting
theinvariableorderestablishedinthemotionoftheprincipalbodiesofthesolarsystem.

Iwillthenventuretoaffirm,thatafteramanhasarrivedatmaturity,thegeneraloutlineofhischaracterin
theworldisjust,allowingforthebeforementionedexceptionstotherule.Idonotsay,thataprudent,
worldlywiseman,withonlynegativevirtuesandqualities,maynotsometimesobtainasmootherreputation
thanawiserorabetterman.Sofarfromit,thatIamapttoconcludefromexperience,thatwherethevirtue
oftwopeopleisnearlyequal,themostnegativecharacterwillbelikedbestbytheworldatlarge,whilstthe
othermayhavemorefriendsinprivatelife.Butthehillsanddales,cloudsandsunshine,conspicuousinthe
virtuesofgreatmen,setoffeachotherandthoughtheyaffordenviousweaknessafairermarktoshootat,
therealcharacterwillstillworkitswaytolight,thoughbespatteredbyweakaffection,oringeniousmalice.*

(*Footnote.Ialludetovariousbiographicalwritings,butparticularlytoBoswell'sLifeofJohnson.)

Withrespecttothatanxietytopreserveareputationhardlyearned,whichleadssagaciouspeopletoanalyze
it,IshallnotmaketheobviouscommentbutIamafraidthatmoralityisveryinsidiouslyundermined,inthe
femaleworld,bytheattentionbeingturnedtotheshowinsteadofthesubstance.Asimplethingisthusmade
strangelycomplicatednay,sometimesvirtueanditsshadowaresetatvariance.Weshouldnever,perhaps,
haveheardofLucretia,hadshediedtopreserveherchastityinsteadofherreputation.Ifwereallydeserve
ourowngoodopinion,weshallcommonlyberespectedintheworldbutifwepantafterhigher
improvementandhigherattainments,itisnotsufficienttoviewourselvesaswesupposethatweareviewed
byothers,thoughthishasbeeningeniouslyarguedasthefoundationofourmoralsentiments.(Smith.)
Becauseeachbystandermayhavehisownprejudices,besidestheprejudicesofhisageorcountry.We
shouldratherendeavourtoviewourselves,aswesupposethatBeingviewsus,whoseetheachthoughtripen
intoaction,andwhosejudgmentneverswervesfromtheeternalruleofright.Righteousareallhisjudgments
just,asmerciful!

ThehumblemindthatseekethtofindfavourinHissight,andcalmlyexaminesitsconductwhenonlyHis
presenceisfelt,willseldomformaveryerroneousopinionofitsownvirtues.Duringthestillhourofself
collection,theangrybrowofoffendedjusticewillbefearfullydeprecated,orthetiewhichdrawsmantothe
Deitywillberecognizedinthepuresentimentofreverentialadoration,thatswellstheheartwithoutexciting
anytumultuousemotions.Inthesesolemnmomentsmandiscoversthegermofthosevices,whichlikethe
Javatreeshedapestiferousvapourarounddeathisintheshade!andheperceivesthemwithout
abhorrence,becausehefeelshimselfdrawnbysomecordoflovetoallhisfellowcreatures,forwhosefollies
heisanxioustofindeveryextenuationintheirnatureinhimself.IfI,hemaythusargue,whoexercisemy
ownmind,andhavebeenrefinedbytribulation,findtheserpent'segginsomefoldofmyheart,andcrushit
withdifficulty,shallnotIpitythosewhoarestampedwithlessvigour,orwhohaveheedlesslynurturedthe
insidiousreptiletillitpoisonedthevitalstreamitsucked?CanI,consciousofmysecretsins,throwoffmy
fellowcreatures,andcalmlyseethemdropintothechasmofperdition,thatyawnstoreceivethem.No!no!
TheagonizedheartwillcrywithsuffocatingimpatienceItooamaman!andhavevices,hid,perhaps,from
humaneye,thatbendmetothedustbeforeGod,andloudlytellmewhenallismute,thatweareformedof
thesameearth,andbreathethesameelement.Humanitythusrisesnaturallyoutofhumility,andtwiststhe
cordsoflovethatinvariousconvolutionsentangletheheart.
Thissympathyextendsstillfurther,tillamanwellpleasedobservesforceinargumentsthatdonotcarry
convictiontohisownbosom,andhegladlyplacesinthefairestlighttohimself,theshowsofreasonthat
haveledothersastray,rejoicedtofindsomereasoninalltheerrorsofmanthoughbeforeconvincedthathe
whorulesthedaymakeshissuntoshineonall.Yet,shakinghandsthus,asitwere,withcorruption,onefoot
onearth,theotherwithboldstridesmountstoheaven,andclaimskindredwithsuperiournatures.Virtues,
unobservedbymen,droptheirbalmyfragranceatthiscoolhour,andthethirstyland,refreshedbythepure
streamsofcomfortthatsuddenlygushout,iscrownedwithsmilingverdurethisisthelivinggreenonwhich
thateyemaylookwithcomplacencythatistoopuretobeholdiniquity!ButmyspiritsflagandImust
silentlyindulgethereveriethesereflectionsleadto,unabletodescribethesentimentsthathavecalmedmy
soul,whenwatchingtherisingsun,asoftshowerdrizzlingthroughtheleavesofneighbouringtrees,seemed
tofallonmylanguid,yettranquilspirits,tocooltheheartthathadbeenheatedbythepassionswhichreason
labouredtotame.

Theleadingprincipleswhichrunthroughallmydisquisitions,wouldrenderitunnecessarytoenlargeonthis
subject,ifaconstantattentiontokeepthevarnishofthecharacterfresh,andingoodcondition,werenot
ofteninculcatedasthesumtotaloffemaledutyifrulestoregulatethebehaviour,andtopreservethe
reputation,didnottoofrequentlysupersedemoralobligations.But,withrespecttoreputation,theattentionis
confinedtoasinglevirtuechastity.Ifthehonourofawoman,asitisabsurdlycalled,issafe,shemay
neglecteverysocialdutynay,ruinherfamilybygamingandextravaganceyetstillpresentashameless
frontfortrulysheisanhonourablewoman!

Mrs.Macaulayhasjustlyobserved,that"thereisbutonefaultwhichawomanofhonourmaynotcommit
withimpunity."ShethenjustlyandhumanelyaddsThishasgivenrisetothetriteandfoolishobservation,
thatthefirstfaultagainstchastityinwomanhasaradicalpowertodepravethecharacter.Butnosuchfrail
beingscomeoutofthehandsofnature.Thehumanmindisbuiltofnoblermaterialsthantobesoeasily
corruptedandwithalltheirdisadvantagesofsituationandeducation,womenseldombecomeentirely
abandonedtilltheyarethrownintoastateofdesperation,bythevenomousrancouroftheirownsex."

But,inproportionasthisregardforthereputationofchastityisprizedbywomen,itisdespisedbymen:and
thetwoextremesareequallydestructivetomorality.

Menarecertainlymoreundertheinfluenceoftheirappetitesthanwomenandtheirappetitesaremore
depravedbyunbridledindulgence,andthefastidiouscontrivancesofsatiety.Luxuryhasintroduceda
refinementineatingthatdestroystheconstitutionand,adegreeofgluttonywhichissobeastly,thata
perceptionofseemlinessofbehaviourmustbewornoutbeforeonebeingcouldeatimmoderatelyinthe
presenceofanother,andafterwardscomplainoftheoppressionthathisintemperancenaturallyproduced.
Somewomen,particularlyFrenchwomen,havealsolostasenseofdecencyinthisrespectfortheywilltalk
verycalmlyofanindigestion.Itweretobewished,thatidlenesswasnotallowedtogenerate,ontherank
soilofwealth,thoseswarmsofsummerinsectsthatfeedonputrefactionweshouldnotthenbedisgustedby
thesightofsuchbrutalexcesses.

Thereisonerulerelativetobehaviourthat,Ithink,oughttoregulateeveryotheranditissimplytocherish
suchanhabitualrespectformankind,asmaypreventusfromdisgustingafellowcreatureforthesakeofa
presentindulgence.Theshamefulindolenceofmanymarriedwomen,andothersalittleadvancedinlife,
frequentlyleadsthemtosinagainstdelicacy.For,thoughconvincedthatthepersonisthebandofunion
betweenthesexes,yet,howoftendotheyfromsheerindolence,ortoenjoysometriflingindulgence,
disgust?

Thedepravityoftheappetite,whichbringsthesexestogether,hashadastillmorefataleffect.Naturemust
everbethestandardoftaste,theguageofappetiteyethowgrosslyisnatureinsultedbythevoluptuary.
Leavingtherefinementsofloveoutofthequestionnature,bymakingthegratificationofanappetite,inthis
respect,aswellaseveryother,anaturalandimperiouslawtopreservethespecies,exaltstheappetite,and
mixesalittlemindandaffectionwithasensualgust.Thefeelingsofaparentminglingwithaninstinct
merelyanimal,giveitdignityandthemanandwomanoftenmeetingonaccountofthechild,amutual
interestandaffectionisexcitedbytheexerciseofacommonsympathy.Womenthenhavingnecessarily
somedutytofulfil,morenoblethantoadorntheirpersons,wouldnotcontentedlybetheslavesofcasual
appetite,whichisnowthesituationofaveryconsiderablenumberwhoare,literallyspeaking,standing
dishestowhicheverygluttonmayhaveaccess.
Imaybetold,thatgreatasthisenormityis,itonlyaffectsadevotedpartofthesexdevotedforthe
salvationoftherest.But,falseaseveryassertionmighteasilybeproved,thatrecommendsthesanctioninga
smalleviltoproduceagreatergoodthemischiefdoesnotstophere,forthemoralcharacter,andpeaceof
mind,ofthechasterpartofthesex,isunderminedbytheconductoftheverywomentowhomtheyallowno
refugefromguilt:whomtheyinexorablyconsigntotheexerciseofartsthatluretheirhusbandsfromthem,
debauchtheirsonsandforcethem,letnotmodestwomenstart,toassume,insomedegree,thesame
characterthemselves.ForIwillventuretoassert,thatallthecausesoffemaleweakness,aswellasdepravity,
whichIhavealreadyenlargedon,branchoutofonegrandcausewantofchastityinmen.

Thisintemperance,soprevalent,depravestheappetitetosuchadegree,thatawantonstimulusisnecessary
torouseitbuttheparentaldesignofnatureisforgotten,andthemereperson,andthat,foramoment,alone
engrossesthethoughts.Sovoluptuous,indeed,oftengrowsthelustfulprowler,thatherefinesonfemale
softness.

Tosatisfythisgeniusofmen,womenaremadesystematicallyvoluptuous,andthoughtheymaynotallcarry
theirlibertinismtothesameheight,yetthisheartlessintercoursewiththesex,whichtheyallowthemselves,
depravesbothsexes,becausethetasteofmenisvitiatedandwomen,ofallclasses,naturallysquaretheir
behaviourtogratifythetastebywhichtheyobtainpleasureandpower.Womenbecoming,consequently
weaker,inmindandbody,thantheyoughttobe,wereoneofthegrandendsoftheirbeingtakenintothe
account,thatofbearingandnursingchildren,havenotsufficientstrengthtodischargethefirstdutyofa
motherandsacrificingtolasciviousnesstheparentalaffection,thatennoblesinstinct,eitherdestroythe
embryointhewomb,orcastitoffwhenborn.Natureineverythingdemandsrespect,andthosewhoviolate
herlawsseldomviolatethemwithimpunity.Theweakenervatedwomenwhoparticularlycatchtheattention
oflibertines,areunfittobemothers,thoughtheymayconceivesothattherichsensualist,whohasrioted
amongwomen,spreadingdepravityandmisery,whenhewishestoperpetuatehisname,receivesfromhis
wifeonlyanhalfformedbeingthatinheritsbothitsfather'sandmother'sweakness.

Contrastingthehumanityofthepresentagewiththebarbarismofantiquity,greatstresshasbeenlaidonthe
savagecustomofexposingthechildrenwhomtheirparentscouldnotmaintainwhilstthemanofsensibility,
whothus,perhaps,complains,byhispromiscuousamoursproducesamostdestructivebarrennessand
contagiousflagitiousnessofmanners.Surelynatureneverintendedthatwomen,bysatisfyinganappetite,
shouldfrustratetheverypurposeforwhichitwasimplanted?

Ihavebeforeobserved,thatmenoughttomaintainthewomenwhomtheyhaveseducedthiswouldbeone
meansofreformingfemalemanners,andstoppinganabusethathasanequallyfataleffectonpopulationand
morals.Another,nolessobvious,wouldbetoturntheattentionofwomantotherealvirtueofchastityforto
littlerespecthasthatwomanaclaim,onthescoreofmodesty,thoughherreputationmaybewhiteasthe
drivensnow,whosmilesonthelibertinewhilstshespurnsthevictimsofhislawlessappetitesandtheirown
folly.

Besides,shehasataintofthesamefolly,pureassheesteemsherself,whenshestudiouslyadornsherperson
onlytobeseenbymen,toexciterespectfulsighs,andalltheidlehomageofwhatiscalledinnocent
gallantry.Didwomenreallyrespectvirtueforitsownsake,theywouldnotseekforacompensationin
vanity,fortheselfdenialwhichtheyareobligedtopractisetopreservetheirreputation,norwouldthey
associatewithmenwhosetreputationatdefiance.

Thetwosexesmutuallycorruptandimproveeachother.ThisIbelievetobeanindisputabletruth,extending
ittoeveryvirtue.Chastity,modesty,publicspirit,andallthenobletrainofvirtues,onwhichsocialvirtue
andhappinessarebuilt,shouldbeunderstoodandcultivatedbyallmankind,ortheywillbecultivatedto
littleeffect.And,insteadoffurnishingtheviciousoridlewithapretextforviolatingsomesacredduty,by
termingitasexualone,itwouldbewisertoshow,thatnaturehasnotmadeanydifference,forthatthe
unchastemandoublydefeatsthepurposeofnaturebyrenderingwomenbarren,anddestroyinghisown
constitution,thoughheavoidstheshamethatpursuesthecrimeintheothersex.Thesearethephysical
consequences,themoralarestillmorealarmingforvirtueisonlyanominaldistinctionwhenthedutiesof
citizens,husbands,wives,fathers,mothers,anddirectorsoffamilies,becomemerelytheselfishtiesof
convenience.
Whythendophilosopherslookforpublicspirit?Publicspiritmustbenurturedbyprivatevirtue,oritwill
resemblethefactitioussentimentwhichmakeswomencarefultopreservetheirreputation,andmentheir
honour.Asentimentthatoftenexistsunsupportedbyvirtue,unsupportedbythatsublimemoralitywhich
makesthehabitualbreachofonedutyabreachofthewholemorallaw.

CHAPTER9.

OFTHEPERNICIOUSEFFECTSWHICHARISEFROMTHEUNNATURALDISTINCTIONSESTABLISHEDIN
SOCIETY.

>Fromtherespectpaidtopropertyflow,asfromapoisonedfountain,mostoftheevilsandviceswhich
renderthisworldsuchadrearyscenetothecontemplativemind.Foritisinthemostpolishedsocietythat
noisomereptilesandvenomousserpentslurkundertherankherbageandthereisvoluptuousnesspampered
bythestillsultryair,whichrelaxeseverygooddispositionbeforeitripensintovirtue.

Oneclasspressesonanotherforallareaimingtoprocurerespectonaccountoftheirproperty:andproperty,
oncegained,willprocuretherespectdueonlytotalentsandvirtue.Menneglectthedutiesincumbenton
man,yetaretreatedlikedemigodsreligionisalsoseparatedfrommoralitybyaceremonialveil,yetmen
wonderthattheworldisalmost,literallyspeaking,adenofsharpersoroppressors.

Thereisahomelyproverb,whichspeaksashrewdtruth,thatwhoeverthedevilfindsidlehewillemploy.
Andwhatbuthabitualidlenesscanhereditarywealthandtitlesproduce?Formanissoconstitutedthathe
canonlyattainaproperuseofhisfacultiesbyexercisingthem,andwillnotexercisethemunlessnecessity,
ofsomekind,firstsetthewheelsinmotion.Virtuelikewisecanonlybeacquiredbythedischargeofrelative
dutiesbuttheimportanceofthesesacreddutieswillscarcelybefeltbythebeingwhoiscajoledoutofhis
humanitybytheflatteryofsycophants.Theremustbemoreequalityestablishedinsociety,ormoralitywill
nevergainground,andthisvirtuousequalitywillnotrestfirmlyevenwhenfoundedonarock,ifonehalfof
mankindarechainedtoitsbottombyfate,fortheywillbecontinuallyunderminingitthroughignoranceor
pride.Itisvaintoexpectvirtuefromwomentilltheyare,insomedegree,independentofmennay,itisvain
toexpectthatstrengthofnaturalaffection,whichwouldmakethemgoodwivesandgoodmothers.Whilst
theyareabsolutelydependentontheirhusbands,theywillbecunning,mean,andselfish,andthemenwho
canbegratifiedbythefawningfondness,ofspaniellikeaffection,havenotmuchdelicacy,forloveisnotto
bebought,inanysenseoftheword,itssilkenwingsareinstantlyshrivelledupwhenanythingbesidea
returninkindissought.Yetwhilstwealthenervatesmenandwomenlive,asitwere,bytheirpersonal
charms,how,canweexpectthemtodischargethoseennoblingdutieswhichequallyrequireexertionand
selfdenial.Hereditarypropertysophisticatesthemind,andtheunfortunatevictimstoit,ifImaysoexpress
myself,swathedfromtheirbirth,seldomexertthelocomotivefacultyofbodyormindand,thusviewing
everythingthroughonemedium,andthatafalseone,theyareunabletodiscerninwhattruemeritand
happinessconsist.False,indeed,mustbethelightwhenthedraperyofsituationhidestheman,andmakes
himstalkinmasquerade,draggingfromonesceneofdissipationtoanotherthenervelesslimbsthathang
withstupidlistlessness,androllingroundthevacanteyewhichplainlytellsusthatthereisnomindathome.

Imean,therefore,toinfer,thatthesocietyisnotproperlyorganizedwhichdoesnotcompelmenandwomen
todischargetheirrespectiveduties,bymakingittheonlywaytoacquirethatcountenancefromtheirfellow
creatures,whicheveryhumanbeingwishessomewaytoattain.Therespect,consequently,whichispaidto
wealthandmerepersonalcharms,isatruenortheastblast,thatblightsthetenderblossomsofaffectionand
virtue.Naturehaswiselyattachedaffectionstoduties,tosweetentoil,andtogivethatvigourtotheexertions
ofreasonwhichonlytheheartcangive.But,theaffectionwhichisputonmerelybecauseitisthe
appropriatedinsigniaofacertaincharacter,whenitsdutiesarenotfulfilledisoneoftheemptycompliments
whichviceandfollyareobligedtopaytovirtueandtherealnatureofthings.

Toillustratemyopinion,Ineedonlyobserve,thatwhenawomanisadmiredforherbeauty,andsuffers
herselftobesofarintoxicatedbytheadmirationshereceives,astoneglecttodischargetheindispensable
dutyofamother,shesinsagainstherselfbyneglectingtocultivateanaffectionthatwouldequallytendto
makeherusefulandhappy.Truehappiness,Imeanallthecontentment,andvirtuoussatisfactionthatcanbe
snatchedinthisimperfectstate,mustarisefromwellregulatedaffectionsandanaffectionincludesaduty.
Menarenotawareofthemiserytheycause,andtheviciousweaknesstheycherish,byonlyincitingwomen
torenderthemselvespleasingtheydonotconsider,thattheythusmakenaturalandartificialdutiesclash,by
sacrificingthecomfortandrespectabilityofawoman'slifetovoluptuousnotionsofbeauty,wheninnature
theyallharmonize.

Coldwouldbetheheartofahusband,werehenotrenderedunnaturalbyearlydebauchery,whodidnotfeel
moredelightatseeinghischildsuckledbyitsmother,thanthemostartfulwantontrickscouldeverraiseyet
thisnaturalwayofcementingthematrimonialtie,andtwistingesteemwithfonderrecollections,wealth
leadswomentospurn.Topreservetheirbeauty,andweartheflowerycrownoftheday,thatgivesthema
kindofrighttoreignforashorttimeoverthesex,theyneglecttostampimpressionsontheirhusbands'
hearts,thatwouldberememberedwithmoretendernesswhenthesnowontheheadbegantochillthe
bosom,thaneventheirvirgincharms.Thematernalsolicitudeofareasonableaffectionatewomanisvery
interesting,andthechasteneddignitywithwhichamotherreturnsthecaressesthatsheandherchildreceive
fromafatherwhohasbeenfulfillingtheseriousdutiesofhisstation,isnotonlyarespectable,butabeautiful
sight.Sosingular,indeed,aremyfeelings,andIhaveendeavourednottocatchfactitiousones,thatafter
havingbeenfatiguedwiththesightofinsipidgrandeurandtheslavishceremoniesthatwithcumberous
pompsuppliedtheplaceofdomesticaffections,Ihaveturnedtosomeotherscenetorelievemyeye,by
restingitontherefreshinggreeneverywherescatteredbynature.Ihavethenviewedwithpleasureawoman
nursingherchildren,anddischargingthedutiesofherstationwith,perhaps,merelyaservantmadetotake
offherhandstheservilepartofthehouseholdbusiness.Ihaveseenherprepareherselfandchildren,with
onlytheluxuryofcleanliness,toreceiveherhusband,whoreturningwearyhomeintheevening,found
smilingbabesandacleanhearth.Myhearthasloiteredinthemidstofthegroup,andhaseventhrobbedwith
sympatheticemotion,whenthescrapingofthewellknownfoothasraisedapleasingtumult.

Whilstmybenevolencehasbeengratifiedbycontemplatingthisartlesspicture,Ihavethoughtthatacouple
ofthisdescription,equallynecessaryandindependentofeachother,becauseeachfulfilledtherespective
dutiesoftheirstation,possessedallthatlifecouldgive.Raisedsufficientlyaboveabjectpovertynottobe
obligedtoweightheconsequenceofeveryfarthingtheyspend,andhavingsufficienttopreventtheir
attendingtoafrigidsystemofeconomywhichnarrowsbothheartandmind.Ideclare,sovulgararemy
conceptions,thatIknownotwhatiswantedtorenderthisthehappiestaswellasthemostrespectable
situationintheworld,butatasteforliterature,tothrowalittlevarietyandinterestintosocialconverse,and
somesuperfluousmoneytogivetotheneedy,andtobuybooks.Foritisnotpleasantwhentheheartis
openedbycompassion,andtheheadactiveinarrangingplansofusefulness,tohaveaprimurchin
continuallytwitchingbacktheelbowtopreventthehandfromdrawingoutanalmostemptypurse,
whisperingatthesametimesomeprudentialmaximaboutthepriorityofjustice.

Destructive,however,asrichesandinheritedhonoursaretothehumancharacter,womenaremoredebased
andcramped,ifpossiblebythem,thanmen,becausemenmaystill,insomedegree,unfoldtheirfacultiesby
becomingsoldiersandstatesmen.

Assoldiers,Igrant,theycannowonlygather,forthemostpart,vaingloriouslaurels,whilsttheyadjusttoa
hairtheEuropeanbalance,takingespecialcarethatnobleaknorthernnookorsoundinclinethebeam.But
thedaysoftrueheroismareover,whenacitizenfoughtforhiscountrylikeaFabriciusoraWashington,and
thenreturnedtohisfarmtolethisvirtuousfervourruninamoreplacid,butnotalesssalutarystream.No,
ourBritishheroesareoftenersentfromthegamingtablethanfromtheploughandtheirpassionshavebeen
ratherinflamedbyhangingwithdumbsuspenseontheturnofadie,thansublimatedbypantingafterthe
adventurousmarchofvirtueinthehistoricpage.

Thestatesman,itistrue,mightwithmoreproprietyquittheFaroBank,orcardtable,toguidethehelm,for
hehasstillbuttoshuffleandtrick.ThewholesystemofBritishpolitics,ifsystemitmaycourteouslybe
called,consistinginmultiplyingdependentsandcontrivingtaxeswhichgrindthepoortopampertherich
thusawar,oranywildgoosechaceis,asthevulgarusethephrase,aluckyturnupofpatronageforthe
minister,whosechiefmeritistheartofkeepinghimselfinplace.

Itisnotnecessarythenthatheshouldhavebowelsforthepoor,sohecansecureforhisfamilytheoddtrick.
Orshouldsomeshowofrespect,forwhatistermedwithignorantostentationanEnglishman'sbirthright,be
expedienttobubblethegruffmastiffthathehastoleadbythenose,hecanmakeanemptyshow,verysafely,
bygivinghissinglevoice,andsufferinghislightsquadrontofileofftotheotherside.Andwhenaquestion
ofhumanityisagitated,hemaydipasopinthemilkofhumankindness,tosilenceCerberus,andtalkofthe
interestwhichhishearttakesinanattempttomaketheearthnolongercryforvengeanceasitsucksinits
children'sblood,thoughhiscoldhandmayattheverymomentrivettheirchains,bysanctioningthe
abominabletraffick.Aministerisnolongeraministerthanwhilehecancarryapoint,whichheis
determinedtocarry.Yetitisnotnecessarythataministershouldfeellikeaman,whenaboldpushmight
shakehisseat.

But,tohavedonewiththeseepisodicalobservations,letmereturntothemorespeciousslaverywhichchains
theverysoulofwoman,keepingherforeverunderthebondageofignorance.

Thepreposterousdistinctionsofrank,whichrendercivilizationacurse,bydividingtheworldbetween
voluptuoustyrants,andcunningenviousdependents,corrupt,almostequally,everyclassofpeople,because
respectabilityisnotattachedtothedischargeoftherelativedutiesoflife,buttothestation,andwhenthe
dutiesarenotfulfilled,theaffectionscannotgainsufficientstrengthtofortifythevirtueofwhichtheyarethe
naturalreward.Stilltherearesomeloopholesoutofwhichamanmaycreep,anddaretothinkandactfor
himselfbutforawomanitisanherculeantask,becauseshehasdifficultiespeculiartohersextoovercome,
whichrequirealmostsuperhumanpowers.

Atrulybenevolentlegislatoralwaysendeavourstomakeittheinterestofeachindividualtobevirtuousand
thusprivatevirtuebecomingthecementofpublichappiness,anorderlywholeisconsolidatedbythe
tendencyofallthepartstowardsacommoncentre.But,theprivateorpublicvirtueofwomenisvery
problematicalforRousseau,andanumerouslistofmalewriters,insistthatsheshouldallherlife,be
subjectedtoasevererestraint,thatofpropriety.Whysubjecthertoproprietyblindpropriety,ifshebe
capableofactingfromanoblerspring,ifshebeanheirofimmortality?Issugaralwaystobeproducedby
vitalblood?Isonehalfofthehumanspecies,likethepoorAfricanslaves,tobesubjecttoprejudicesthat
brutalizethem,whenprincipleswouldbeasurerguardonlytosweetenthecupofman?Isnotthisindirectly
todenywomenreason?foragiftisamockery,ifitbeunfitforuse.

Womenareincommonwithmen,renderedweakandluxuriousbytherelaxingpleasureswhichwealth
procuresbutaddedtothis,theyaremadeslavestotheirpersons,andmustrenderthemalluring,thatman
maylendthemhisreasontoguidetheirtotteringstepsaright.Orshouldtheybeambitious,theymustgovern
theirtyrantsbysinistertricks,forwithoutrightstherecannotbeanyincumbentduties.Thelawsrespecting
woman,whichImeantodiscussinafuturepart,makeanabsurdunitofamanandhiswifeandthen,bythe
easytransitionofonlyconsideringhimasresponsible,sheisreducedtoamerecypher.

Thebeingwhodischargesthedutiesofitsstation,isindependentand,speakingofwomenatlarge,theirfirst
dutyistothemselvesasrationalcreatures,andthenext,inpointofimportance,ascitizens,isthat,which
includessomany,ofamother.Therankinlifewhichdispenseswiththeirfulfillingthisduty,necessarily
degradesthembymakingthemmeredolls.Or,shouldtheyturntosomethingmoreimportantthanmerely
fittingdraperyuponasmoothblock,theirmindsareonlyoccupiedbysomesoftplatonicattachmentor,the
actualmanagementofanintriguemaykeeptheirthoughtsinmotionforwhentheyneglectdomesticduties,
theyhaveitnotintheirpowertotakethefieldandmarchandcountermarchlikesoldiers,orwrangleinthe
senatetokeeptheirfacultiesfromrusting.

Iknow,thatasaproofoftheinferiorityofthesex,Rousseauhasexultinglyexclaimed,Howcantheyleave
thenurseryforthecamp!Andthecamphasbysomemoralistsbeentermedtheschoolofthemostheroic
virtuesthough,Ithink,itwouldpuzzleakeencasuisttoprovethereasonablenessofthegreaternumberof
wars,thathavedubbedheroes.Idonotmeantoconsiderthisquestioncriticallybecause,havingfrequently
viewedthesefreaksofambitionasthefirstnaturalmodeofcivilization,whenthegroundmustbetornup,
andthewoodsclearedbyfireandsword,Idonotchoosetocallthempestsbutsurelythepresentsystemof
war,haslittleconnectionwithvirtueofanydenomination,beingrathertheschoolofFINESSEand
effeminacy,thanoffortitude.

Yet,ifdefensivewar,theonlyjustifiablewar,inthepresentadvancedstateofsociety,wherevirtuecanshow
itsfaceandripenamidsttherigourswhichpurifytheaironthemountain'stop,werealonetobeadoptedas
justandglorious,thetrueheroismofantiquitymightagainanimatefemalebosoms.Butfairandsoftly,
gentlereader,maleorfemale,donotalarmthyself,forthoughIhavecontrastedthecharacterofamodern
soldierwiththatofacivilizedwoman,Iamnotgoingtoadvisethemtoturntheirdistaffintoamusket,
thoughIsincerelywishtoseethebayonetconvertedintoapruninghook.Ionlyrecreatedanimagination,
fatiguedbycontemplatingthevicesandfollieswhichallproceedfromafeculentstreamofwealththathas
muddiedthepurerillsofnaturalaffection,bysupposingthatsocietywillsometimeorotherbeso
constituted,thatmanmustnecessarilyfulfilthedutiesofacitizen,orbedespised,andthatwhilehewas
employedinanyofthedepartmentsofcivillife,hiswife,alsoanactivecitizen,shouldbeequallyintentto
manageherfamily,educateherchildren,andassistherneighbours.

But,torenderherreallyvirtuousanduseful,shemustnot,ifshedischargehercivilduties,want,
individually,theprotectionofcivillawsshemustnotbedependentonherhusband'sbountyforher
subsistenceduringhislife,orsupportafterhisdeathforhowcanabeingbegenerouswhohasnothingof
itsown?or,virtuous,whoisnotfree?Thewife,inthepresentstateofthings,whoisfaithfultoherhusband,
andneithersucklesnoreducatesherchildren,scarcelydeservesthenameofawife,andhasnorighttothat
ofacitizen.Buttakeawaynaturalrights,andthereisofcourseanendofduties.

Womenthusinfalliblybecomeonlythewantonsolaceofmen,whentheyaresoweakinmindandbody,that
theycannotexertthemselves,unlesstopursuesomefrothypleasure,ortoinventsomefrivolousfashion.
Whatcanbeamoremelancholysighttoathinkingmind,thantolookintothenumerouscarriagesthatdrive
helterskelteraboutthismetropolisinamorning,fullofpalefacedcreatureswhoareflyingfromthemselves.
Ihaveoftenwished,withDr.Johnson,toplacesomeoftheminalittleshop,withhalfadozenchildren
lookinguptotheirlanguidcountenancesforsupport.Iammuchmistaken,ifsomelatentvigourwouldnot
soongivehealthandspirittotheireyes,andsomelinesdrawnbytheexerciseofreasonontheblankcheeks,
whichbeforewereonlyundulatedbydimples,mightrestorelostdignitytothecharacter,orratherenableit
toattainthetruedignityofitsnature.Virtueisnottobeacquiredevenbyspeculation,muchlessbythe
negativesupinenessthatwealthnaturallygenerates.

Besides,whenpovertyismoredisgracefulthanevenvice,isnotmoralitycuttothequick?Stilltoavoid
misconstruction,thoughIconsiderthatwomeninthecommonwalksoflifearecalledtofulfilthedutiesof
wivesandmothers,byreligionandreason,Icannothelplamentingthatwomenofasuperiourcasthavenota
roadopenbywhichtheycanpursuemoreextensiveplansofusefulnessandindependence.Imayexcite
laughter,bydroppinganhint,whichImeantopursue,somefuturetime,forIreallythinkthatwomenought
tohaverepresentatives,insteadofbeingarbitrarilygovernedwithouthavinganydirectshareallowedthem
inthedeliberationsofgovernment.

But,asthewholesystemofrepresentationisnow,inthiscountry,onlyaconvenienthandlefordespotism,
theyneednotcomplain,fortheyareaswellrepresentedasanumerousclassofhardworkingmechanics,
whopayforthesupportofroyalitywhentheycanscarcelystoptheirchildren'smouthswithbread.Howare
theyrepresented,whoseverysweatsupportsthesplendidstudofanheirapparent,orvarnishesthechariotof
somefemalefavouritewholooksdownonshame?Taxesontheverynecessariesoflife,enableanendless
tribeofidleprincesandprincessestopasswithstupidpompbeforeagapingcrowd,whoalmostworshipthe
veryparadewhichcoststhemsodear.Thisismeregothicgrandeur,somethinglikethebarbarous,useless
paradeofhavingsentinelsonhorsebackatWhitehall,whichIcouldneverviewwithoutamixtureof
contemptandindignation.

Howstrangelymustthemindbesophisticatedwhenthissortofstateimpressesit!Buttillthesemonuments
offollyarelevelledbyvirtue,similarfollieswillleaventhewholemass.Forthesamecharacter,insome
degree,willprevailintheaggregateofsociety:andtherefinementsofluxury,ortheviciousrepiningsof
enviouspoverty,willequallybanishvirtuefromsociety,consideredasthecharacteristicofthatsociety,or
onlyallowittoappearasoneofthestripesoftheharlequincoat,wornbythecivilizedman.

Inthesuperiourranksoflife,everydutyisdonebydeputies,asifdutiescouldeverbewaved,andthevain
pleasureswhichconsequentidlenessforcestherichtopursue,appearsoenticingtothenextrank,thatthe
numerousscramblersforwealthsacrificeeverythingtotreadontheirheels.Themostsacredtrustsarethen
consideredassinecures,becausetheywereprocuredbyinterest,andonlysoughttoenableamantokeep
GOODCOMPANY.Women,inparticular,allwanttobeladies.Whichissimplytohavenothingtodo,but
listlesslytogotheyscarcelycarewhere,fortheycannottellwhat.

Butwhathavewomentodoinsociety?Imaybeasked,buttoloiterwitheasygracesurelyyouwouldnot
condemnthemalltosucklefools,andchroniclesmallbeer!No.Womenmightcertainlystudytheartof
healing,andbephysiciansaswellasnurses.Andmidwifery,decencyseemstoallottothem,thoughIam
afraidthewordmidwife,inourdictionaries,willsoongiveplacetoaccoucheur,andoneproofoftheformer
delicacyofthesexbeeffacedfromthelanguage.

Theymight,alsostudypolitics,andsettletheirbenevolenceonthebroadestbasisforthereadingofhistory
willscarcelybemoreusefulthantheperusalofromances,ifreadasmerebiographyifthecharacterofthe
times,thepoliticalimprovements,arts,etc.benotobserved.Inshort,ifitbenotconsideredasthehistoryof
manandnotofparticularmen,whofilledanicheinthetempleoffame,anddroppedintotheblackrolling
streamoftime,thatsilentlysweepsallbeforeit,intotheshapelessvoidcalledeternity.Forshapecanitbe
called,"thatshapehathnone?"

Businessofvariouskinds,theymightlikewisepursue,iftheywereeducatedinamoreorderlymanner,
whichmightsavemanyfromcommonandlegalprostitution.Womenwouldnotthenmarryforasupport,as
menacceptofplacesundergovernment,andneglecttheimplieddutiesnorwouldanattempttoearntheir
ownsubsistence,amostlaudableone!sinkthemalmosttothelevelofthosepoorabandonedcreatureswho
livebyprostitution.Forarenotmillinersandmantuamakersreckonedthenextclass?Thefewemployments
opentowomen,sofarfrombeingliberal,aremenialandwhenasuperioreducationenablesthemtotake
chargeoftheeducationofchildrenasgovernesses,theyarenottreatedlikethetutorsofsons,thougheven
clericaltutorsarenotalwaystreatedinamannercalculatedtorenderthemrespectableintheeyesoftheir
pupils,tosaynothingoftheprivatecomfortoftheindividual.Butaswomeneducatedlikegentlewomen,are
neverdesignedforthehumiliatingsituationwhichnecessitysometimesforcesthemtofillthesesituations
areconsideredinthelightofadegradationandtheyknowlittleofthehumanheart,whoneedtobetold,that
nothingsopainfullysharpensthesensibilityassuchafallinlife.

Someofthesewomenmightberestrainedfrommarryingbyaproperspiritordelicacy,andothersmaynot
havehaditintheirpowertoescapeinthispitifulwayfromservitudeisnotthatgovernmentthenvery
defective,andveryunmindfulofthehappinessofonehalfofitsmembers,thatdoesnotprovideforhonest,
independentwomen,byencouragingthemtofillrespectablestations?Butinordertorendertheirprivate
virtueapublicbenefit,theymusthaveacivilexistenceinthestate,marriedorsingleelseweshall
continuallyseesomeworthywoman,whosesensibilityhasbeenrenderedpainfullyacutebyundeserved
contempt,drooplike"thelilybrokendownbyaploughshare."

Itisamelancholytruthyetsuchistheblessedeffectsofcivilization!themostrespectablewomenarethe
mostoppressedand,unlesstheyhaveunderstandingsfarsuperiourtothecommonrunofunderstandings,
takinginbothsexes,theymust,frombeingtreatedlikecontemptiblebeings,becomecontemptible.How
manywomenthuswastelifeaway,thepreyofdiscontent,whomighthavepractisedasphysicians,regulated
afarm,managedashop,andstooderect,supportedbytheirownindustry,insteadofhangingtheirheads
surchargedwiththedewofsensibility,thatconsumesthebeautytowhichitatfirstgavelustrenay,Idoubt
whetherpityandlovearesonearakinaspoetsfeign,forIhaveseldomseenmuchcompassionexcitedby
thehelplessnessoffemales,unlesstheywerefairthen,perhaps,pitywasthesofthandmaidoflove,orthe
harbingeroflust.

Howmuchmorerespectableisthewomanwhoearnsherownbreadbyfulfillinganyduty,thanthemost
accomplishedbeauty!beautydidIsay?sosensibleamIofthebeautyofmoralloveliness,ortheharmonious
proprietythatattunesthepassionsofawellregulatedmind,thatIblushatmakingthecomparisonyetIsigh
tothinkhowfewwomenaimatattainingthisrespectability,bywithdrawingfromthegiddywhirlof
pleasure,ortheindolentcalmthatstupifiesthegoodsortofwomenitsucksin.

Proudoftheirweakness,however,theymustalwaysbeprotected,guardedfromcare,andalltheroughtoils
thatdignifythemind.Ifthisbethefiatoffate,iftheywillmakethemselvesinsignificantandcontemptible,
sweetlytowaste"lifeaway,"letthemnotexpecttobevaluedwhentheirbeautyfades,foritisthefateofthe
fairestflowerstobeadmiredandpulledtopiecesbythecarelesshandthatpluckedthem.Inhowmanyways
doIwish,fromthepurestbenevolence,toimpressthistruthonmysexyetIfearthattheywillnotlistentoa
truth,thatdearboughtexperiencehasbroughthometomanyanagitatedbosom,norwillinglyresignthe
privilegesofrankandsexfortheprivilegesofhumanity,towhichthosehavenoclaimwhodonotdischarge
itsduties.

Thosewritersareparticularlyuseful,inmyopinion,whomakemanfeelforman,independentofthestation
hefills,orthedraperyoffactitioussentiments.Ithenwouldfainconvincereasonablemenoftheimportance
ofsomeofmyremarksandprevailonthemtoweighdispassionatelythewholetenorofmyobservations.I
appealtotheirunderstandingsand,asafellowcreatureclaim,inthenameofmysex,someinterestintheir
hearts.Ientreatthemtoassisttoemancipatetheircompaniontomakeherahelpmeetforthem!

Wouldmenbutgenerouslysnapourchains,andbecontentwithrationalfellowship,insteadofslavish
obedience,theywouldfindusmoreobservantdaughters,moreaffectionatesisters,morefaithfulwives,more
reasonablemothersinaword,bettercitizens.Weshouldthenlovethemwithtrueaffection,becausewe
shouldlearntorespectourselvesandthepeaceofmindofaworthymanwouldnotbeinterruptedbythe
idlevanityofhiswife,norhisbabessenttonestleinastrangebosom,havingneverfoundahomeintheir
mother's.

CHAPTER10.

PARENTALAFFECTION.

Parentalaffectionis,perhaps,theblindestmodificationofperverseselfloveforwehavenot,likethe
Frenchtwoterms(L'amourpropre,L'amourdesoimeme)todistinguishthepursuitofanaturaland
reasonabledesire,fromtheignorantcalculationsofweakness.Parentsoftenlovetheirchildreninthemost
brutalmanner,andsacrificeeveryrelativedutytopromotetheiradvancementintheworld.Topromote,such
istheperversityofunprincipledprejudices,thefuturewelfareoftheverybeingswhosepresentexistence
theyimbitterbythemostdespoticstretchofpower.Power,infact,isevertruetoitsvitalprinciple,forin
everyshapeitwouldreignwithoutcontroulorinquiry.Itsthroneisbuiltacrossadarkabyss,whichnoeye
mustdaretoexplore,lestthebaselessfabricshouldtotterunderinvestigation.Obedience,unconditional
obedience,isthecatchwordoftyrantsofeverydescription,andtorender"assurancedoublysure,"onekind
ofdespotismsupportsanother.Tyrantswouldhavecausetotrembleifreasonweretobecometheruleof
dutyinanyoftherelationsoflife,forthelightmightspreadtillperfectdayappeared.Andwhenitdid
appear,howwouldmensmileatthesightofthebugbearsatwhichtheystartedduringthenightofignorance,
orthetwilightoftimidinquiry.

Parentalaffection,indeed,inmanyminds,isbutapretexttotyrannizewhereitcanbedonewithimpunity,
foronlygoodandwisemenarecontentwiththerespectthatwillbeardiscussion.Convincedthattheyhavea
righttowhattheyinsiston,theydonotfearreason,ordreadthesiftingofsubjectsthatrecurtonatural
justice:becausetheyfirmlybelieve,thatthemoreenlightenedthehumanmindbecomes,thedeeperrootwill
justandsimpleprinciplestake.Theydonotrestinexpedients,orgrantthatwhatismetaphysicallytruecan
bepracticallyfalsebutdisdainingtheshiftsofthemomenttheycalmlywaittilltime,sanctioning
innovation,silencesthehissofselfishnessorenvy.

Ifthepowerofreflectingonthepast,anddartingthekeeneyeofcontemplationintofuturity,bethegrand
privilegeofman,itmustbegrantedthatsomepeopleenjoythisprerogativeinaverylimiteddegree.Every
thingnowappearstothemwrongandnotabletodistinguishthepossiblefromthemonstrous,theyfear
wherenofearshouldfindaplace,runningfromthelightofreasonasifitwereafirebrandyetthelimitsof
thepossiblehaveneverbeendefinedtostopthesturdyinnovator'shand.

Woman,however,aslaveineverysituationtoprejudiceseldomexertsenlightenedmaternalaffectionfor
sheeitherneglectsherchildren,orspoilsthembyimproperindulgence.Besides,theaffectionofsome
womenfortheirchildrenis,asIhavebeforetermedit,frequentlyverybrutishforiteradicateseveryspark
ofhumanity.Justice,truth,everythingissacrificedbytheseRebekahs,andforthesakeoftheirownchildren
theyviolatethemostsacredduties,forgettingthecommonrelationshipthatbindsthewholefamilyonearth
together.Yet,reasonseemstosay,thattheywhosufferoneduty,oraffectiontoswallowuptherest,havenot
sufficientheartormindtofulfilthatoneconscientiously.Itthenlosesthevenerableaspectofaduty,and
assumesthefantasticformofawhim.

Asthecareofchildrenintheirinfancyisoneofthegranddutiesannexedtothefemalecharacterbynature,
thisdutywouldaffordmanyforcibleargumentsforstrengtheningthefemaleunderstanding,ifitwere
properlyconsidered.
Theformationofthemindmustbebegunveryearly,andthetemper,inparticular,requiresthemost
judiciousattentionanattentionwhichwomencannotpaywhoonlylovetheirchildrenbecausetheyare
theirchildren,andseeknofurtherforthefoundationoftheirduty,thaninthefeelingsofthemoment.Itis
thiswantofreasonintheiraffectionswhichmakeswomensooftenrunintoextremes,andeitherbethemost
fond,ormostcarelessandunnaturalmothers.

Tobeagoodmotherawomanmusthavesense,andthatindependenceofmindwhichfewwomenpossess
whoaretaughttodependentirelyontheirhusbands.Meekwivesare,ingeneral,foolishmotherswanting
theirchildrentolovethembest,andtaketheirpart,insecret,againstthefather,whoisheldupasa
scarecrow.Iftheyaretobepunished,thoughtheyhaveoffendedthemother,thefathermustinflictthe
punishmenthemustbethejudgeinalldisputes:butIshallmorefullydiscussthissubjectwhenItreatof
privateeducation,Inowonlymeantoinsist,thatunlesstheunderstandingofwomanbeenlarged,andher
characterrenderedmorefirm,bybeingallowedtogovernherownconduct,shewillneverhavesufficient
senseorcommandoftempertomanageherchildrenproperly.Herparentalaffection,indeed,scarcely
deservesthename,whenitdoesnotleadhertosuckleherchildren,becausethedischargeofthisdutyis
equallycalculatedtoinspirematernalandfilialaffectionanditistheindispensabledutyofmenandwomen
tofulfilthedutieswhichgivebirthtoaffectionsthatarethesurestpreservativesagainstvice.Natural
affection,asitistermed,Ibelievetobeaveryweaktie,affectionsmustgrowoutofthehabitualexerciseof
amutualsympathyandwhatsympathydoesamotherexercisewhosendsherbabetoanurse,andonly
takesitfromanursetosendittoaschool?

Intheexerciseoftheirnaturalfeelings,providencehasfurnishedwomenwithanaturalsubstituteforlove,
whentheloverbecomesonlyafriendandmutualconfidencetakesplaceofoverstrainedadmirationachild
thengentlytwiststherelaxingcord,andamutualcareproducesanewmutualsympathy.Butachild,though
apledgeofaffection,willnotenlivenit,ifbothfatherandmotherarecontenttotransferthechargeto
hirelingsfortheywhodotheirdutybyproxyshouldnotmurmuriftheymisstherewardofdutyparental
affectionproducesfilialduty.

CHAPTER11.

DUTYTOPARENTS.

Thereseemstobeanindolentpropensityinmantomakeprescriptionalwaystakeplaceofreason,andto
placeeverydutyonanarbitraryfoundation.TherightsofkingsarededucedinadirectlinefromtheKingof
kingsandthatofparentsfromourfirstparent.

Whydowethusgobackforprinciplesthatshouldalwaysrestonthesamebase,andhavethesameweight
todaythattheyhadathousandyearsagoandnotajotmore?Ifparentsdischargetheirdutytheyhavea
strongholdandsacredclaimonthegratitudeoftheirchildrenbutfewparentsarewillingtoreceivethe
respectfulaffectionoftheiroffspringonsuchterms.Theydemandblindobedience,becausetheydonot
meritareasonableservice:andtorenderthesedemandsofweaknessandignorancemorebinding,a
mysterioussanctityisspreadroundthemostarbitraryprincipleforwhatothernamecanbegiventothe
blinddutyofobeyingviciousorweakbeings,merelybecausetheyobeyedapowerfulinstinct?Thesimple
definitionofthereciprocalduty,whichnaturallysubsistsbetweenparentandchild,maybegiveninafew
words:Theparentwhopaysproperattentiontohelplessinfancyhasarighttorequirethesameattention
whenthefeeblenessofagecomesuponhim.Buttosubjugatearationalbeingtothemerewillofanother,
afterheisofagetoanswertosocietyforhisownconduct,isamostcruelandunduestretchofpowerand
perhapsasinjurioustomorality,asthosereligioussystemswhichdonotallowrightandwrongtohaveany
existence,butintheDivinewill.

Ineverknewaparentwhohadpaidmorethancommonattentiontohischildren,disregarded(Dr.Johnson
makesthesameobservation.)onthecontrary,theearlyhabitofrelyingalmostimplicitlyontheopinionofa
respectedparentisnoteasilyshaken,evenwhenmaturedreasonconvincesthechildthathisfatherisnotthe
wisestmanintheworld.Thisweakness,foraweaknessitis,thoughtheepithetAMIABLEmaybetackedto
it,areasonablemanmuststeelhimselfagainstfortheabsurdduty,tooofteninculcated,ofobeyingaparent
onlyonaccountofhisbeingaparent,shacklesthemind,andpreparesitforaslavishsubmissiontoany
powerbutreason.
Idistinguishbetweenthenaturalandaccidentaldutyduetoparents.

Theparentwhosedulouslyendeavourstoformtheheartandenlargetheunderstandingofhischild,has
giventhatdignitytothedischargeofaduty,commontothewholeanimalworld,thatonlyreasoncangive.
Thisistheparentalaffectionofhumanity,andleavesinstinctivenaturalaffectionfarbehind.Suchaparent
acquiresalltherightsofthemostsacredfriendship,andhisadvice,evenwhenhischildisadvancedinlife,
demandsseriousconsideration.

Withrespecttomarriage,thoughafteroneandtwentyaparentseemstohavenorighttowithholdhis
consentonanyaccountyettwentyyearsofsolicitudecallforareturn,andthesonought,atleast,topromise
nottomarryfortwoorthreeyears,shouldtheobjectofhischoicenotentirelymeetwiththeapprobationof
hisfirstfriend.

But,respectforparentsis,generallyspeaking,amuchmoredebasingprincipleitisonlyaselfishrespectfor
property.Thefatherwhoisblindlyobeyed,isobeyedfromsheerweakness,orfrommotivesthatdegradethe
humancharacter.

Agreatproportionofthemiserythatwanders,inhideousformsaroundtheworld,isallowedtorisefromthe
negligenceofparentsandstillthesearethepeoplewhoaremosttenaciousofwhattheytermanaturalright,
thoughitbesubversiveofthebirthrightofman,therightofactingaccordingtothedirectionofhisown
reason.

Ihavealreadyveryfrequentlyhadoccasiontoobserve,thatviciousorindolentpeoplearealwayseagerto
profitbyenforcingarbitraryprivilegesandgenerallyinthesameproportionastheyneglectthedischargeof
thedutieswhichalonerendertheprivilegesreasonable.Thisisatthebottom,adictateofcommonsense,or
theinstinctofselfdefence,peculiartoignorantweaknessresemblingthatinstinct,whichmakesafish
muddythewateritswimsintoeludeitsenemy,insteadofboldlyfacingitintheclearstream.

>Fromtheclearstreamofargument,indeed,thesupportersofprescription,ofeverydenomination,fly:and
takingrefugeinthedarkness,which,inthelanguageofsublimepoetry,hasbeensupposedtosurroundthe
throneofOmnipotence,theydaretodemandthatimplicitrespectwhichisonlyduetoHisunsearchable
ways.But,letmenotbethoughtpresumptuous,thedarknesswhichhidesourGodfromus,onlyrespects
speculativetruthsitneverobscuresmoralones,theyshineclearly,forGodislight,andnever,bythe
constitutionofournature,requiresthedischargeofaduty,thereasonablenessofwhichdoesnotbeamonus
whenweopenoureyes.

Theindolentparentofhighrankmay,itistrue,extortashowofrespectfromhischild,andfemalesonthe
continentareparticularlysubjecttotheviewsoftheirfamilies,whoneverthinkofconsultingtheir
inclination,orprovidingforthecomfortofthepoorvictimsoftheirpride.Theconsequenceisnotorious
thesedutifuldaughtersbecomeadulteresses,andneglecttheeducationoftheirchildren,fromwhomthey,in
theirturn,exactthesamekindofobedience.

Females,itistrue,inallcountries,aretoomuchunderthedominionoftheirparentsandfewparentsthink
ofaddressingtheirchildreninthefollowingmanner,thoughitisinthisreasonablewaythatHeavenseemsto
commandthewholehumanrace.Itisyourinteresttoobeymetillyoucanjudgeforyourselfandthe
AlmightyFatherofallhasimplantedanaffectioninmetoserveasaguardtoyouwhilstyourreasonis
unfoldingbutwhenyourmindarrivesatmaturity,youmustonlyobeyme,orratherrespectmyopinions,so
farastheycoincidewiththelightthatisbreakinginonyourownmind.

AslavishbondagetoparentscrampseveryfacultyofthemindandMr.Lockeveryjudiciouslyobserves,
that"ifthemindbecurbedandhumbledtoomuchinchildreniftheirspiritsbeabasedandbrokenmuchby
toostrictanhandoverthemtheylosealltheirvigourandindustry."Thisstricthandmay,insomedegree,
accountfortheweaknessofwomenforgirls,fromvariouscauses,aremorekeptdownbytheirparents,in
everysenseoftheword,thanboys.Thedutyexpectedfromthemis,likeallthedutiesarbitrarilyimposedon
women,morefromasenseofpropriety,moreoutofrespectfordecorum,thanreasonandthustaught
slavishlytosubmittotheirparents,theyarepreparedfortheslaveryofmarriage.Imaybetoldthatanumber
ofwomenarenotslavesinthemarriagestate.True,buttheythenbecometyrantsforitisnotrational
freedom,butalawlesskindofpower,resemblingtheauthorityexercisedbythefavouritesofabsolute
monarchs,whichtheyobtainbydebasingmeans.Idonot,likewise,dreamofinsinuatingthateitherboysor
girlsarealwaysslaves,Ionlyinsist,thatwhentheyareobligedtosubmittoauthorityblindly,theirfaculties
areweakened,andtheirtempersrenderedimperiousorabject.Ialsolament,thatparents,indolentlyavailing
themselvesofasupposedprivilege,dampthefirstfaintglimmeringofreasonrenderingatthesametimethe
duty,whichtheyaresoanxioustoenforce,anemptynamebecausetheywillnotletitrestontheonlybasis
onwhichadutycanrestsecurely:for,unlessitbefoundedonknowledge,itcannotgainsufficientstrength
toresistthesquallsofpassion,orthesilentsappingofselflove.Butitisnottheparentswhohavegiventhe
surestproofoftheiraffectionfortheirchildren,(or,tospeakmoreproperly,whobyfulfillingtheirduty,have
allowedanaturalparentalaffectiontotakerootintheirhearts,thechildofexercisedsympathyandreason,
andnottheoverweeningoffspringofselfishpride,)whomostvehementlyinsistontheirchildrensubmitting
totheirwill,merelybecauseitistheirwill.Onthecontrary,theparentwhosetsagoodexample,patiently
letsthatexampleworkanditseldomfailstoproduceitsnaturaleffectfilialrespect.

Childrencannotbetaughttooearlytosubmittoreason,thetruedefinitionofthatnecessity,whichRousseau
insistedon,withoutdefiningitfortosubmittoreason,istosubmittothenatureofthings,andtothatGod
whoformedthemso,topromoteourrealinterest.

Whyshouldthemindsofchildrenbewarpedastheyjustbegintoexpand,onlytofavourtheindolenceof
parents,whoinsistonaprivilegewithoutbeingwillingtopaythepricefixedbynature?Ihavebeforehad
occasiontoobserve,thatarightalwaysincludesaduty,andIthinkitmay,likewisefairlybeinferred,that
theyforfeittheright,whodonotfulfiltheduty.

Itiseasier,Igrant,tocommandthanreasonbutitdoesnotfollowfromhence,thatchildrencannot
comprehendthereasonwhytheyaremadetodocertainthingshabituallyfor,fromasteadyadherencetoa
fewsimpleprinciplesofconductflowsthatsalutarypower,whichajudiciousparentgraduallygainsovera
child'smind.Andthispowerbecomesstrongindeed,iftemperedbyanevendisplayofaffectionbrought
hometothechild'sheart.For,Ibelieve,asageneralrule,itmustbeallowed,thattheaffectionwhichwe
inspirealwaysresemblesthatwecultivatesothatnaturalaffections,whichhavebeensupposedalmost
distinctfromreason,maybefoundmorenearlyconnectedwithjudgmentthaniscommonlyallowed.Nay,as
anotherproofofthenecessityofcultivatingthefemaleunderstanding,itisbutjusttoobserve,thatthe
affectionsseemtohaveakindofanimalcapriciousnesswhentheymerelyresideintheheart.

Itistheirregularexerciseofparentalauthoritythatfirstinjuresthemind,andtotheseirregularitiesgirlsare
moresubjectthanboys.Thewillofthosewhoneverallowtheirwilltobedisputed,unlesstheyhappentobe
inagoodhumour,whentheyrelaxproportionally,isalmostalwaysunreasonable.Toeludethisarbitrary
authority,girlsveryearlylearnthelessonswhichtheyafterwardspractiseontheirhusbandsforIhave
frequentlyseenalittlesharpfacedmissruleawholefamily,exceptingthatnowandthenmamma'sanger
willburstoutofsomeaccidentalcloudeitherherhairwasilldressed,*orshehadlostmoremoneyat
cards,thenightbefore,thanshewaswillingtoowntoherhusbandorsomesuchmoralcauseofanger.

(*Footnote.Imyselfheardalittlegirloncesaytoaservant,"Mymammahasbeenscoldingmefinelythis
morning,becauseherhairwasnotdressedtopleaseher."Thoughthisremarkwaspert,itwasjust.Andwhat
respectcouldagirlacquireforsuchaparent,withoutdoingviolencetoreason?)

Afterobservingsalliesofthiskind,Ihavebeenledintoamelancholytrainofreflectionrespectingfemales,
concludingthatwhentheirfirstaffectionmustleadthemastray,ormaketheirdutiesclashtilltheyreston
merewhimsandcustoms,littlecanbeexpectedfromthemastheyadvanceinlife.How,indeed,canan
instructorremedythisevil?fortoteachthemvirtueonanysolidprincipleistoteachthemtodespisetheir
parents.Childrencannot,oughtnottobetaughttomakeallowanceforthefaultsoftheirparents,because
everysuchallowanceweakenstheforceofreasonintheirminds,andmakesthemstillmoreindulgentto
theirown.Itisoneofthemostsublimevirtuesofmaturitythatleadsustobeseverewithrespectto
ourselves,andforbearingtoothersbutchildrenshouldonlybetaughtthesimplevirtues,foriftheybegin
tooearlytomakeallowanceforhumanpassionsandmanners,theywearoffthefineedgeofthecriterionby
whichtheyshouldregulatetheirown,andbecomeunjustinthesameproportionastheygrowindulgent.

Theaffectionsofchildren,andweakpeople,arealwaysselfishtheyloveothers,becauseotherslovethem,
andnotonaccountoftheirvirtues.Yet,tillesteemandloveareblendedtogetherinthefirstaffection,and
reasonmadethefoundationofthefirstduty,moralitywillstumbleatthethreshold.But,tillsocietyisvery
differentlyconstituted,parents,Ifear,willstillinsistonbeingobeyed,becausetheywillbeobeyed,and
constantlyendeavourtosettlethatpoweronaDivineright,whichwillnotbeartheinvestigationofreason.

CHAPTER12.

ONNATIONALEDUCATION.

Thegoodeffectsresultingfromattentiontoprivateeducationwilleverbeveryconfined,andtheparentwho
reallyputshisownhandtotheplow,willalways,insomedegreebedisappointed,tilleducationbecomesa
grandnationalconcern.Amancannotretireintoadesertwithhischild,andifhedid,hecouldnotbring
himselfbacktochildhood,andbecometheproperfriendandplayfellowofaninfantoryouth.Andwhen
childrenareconfinedtothesocietyofmenandwomen,theyverysoonacquirethatkindofpremature
manhoodwhichstopsthegrowthofeveryvigorouspowerofmindorbody.Inordertoopentheirfaculties
theyshouldbeexcitedtothinkforthemselvesandthiscanonlybedonebymixinganumberofchildren
together,andmakingthemjointlypursuethesameobjects.

Achildverysooncontractsabenumbingindolenceofmind,whichhehasseldomsufficientvigourtoshake
off,whenheonlyasksaquestioninsteadofseekingforinformation,andthenreliesimplicitlyontheanswer
hereceives.Withhisequalsinagethiscouldneverbethecase,andthesubjectsofinquiry,thoughthey
mightbeinfluenced,wouldnotbeentirelyunderthedirectionofmen,whofrequentlydamp,ifnotdestroy
abilities,bybringingthemforwardtoohastily:andtoohastilytheywillinfalliblybebroughtforward,ifthe
childcouldbeconfinedtothesocietyofaman,howeversagaciousthatmanmaybe.

Besides,inyouththeseedsofeveryaffectionshouldbesown,andtherespectfulregard,whichisfeltfora
parent,isverydifferentfromthesocialaffectionsthataretoconstitutethehappinessoflifeasitadvances.
Ofthese,equalityisthebasis,andanintercourseofsentimentsuncloggedbythatobservantseriousness
whichpreventsdisputation,thoughitmaynotinforcesubmission.Letachildhaveeversuchanaffectionfor
hisparent,hewillalwayslanguishtoplayandchatwithchildrenandtheveryrespectheentertains,forfilial
esteemalwayshasadashoffearmixedwithit,will,ifitdonotteachhimcunning,atleastpreventhimfrom
pouringoutthelittlesecretswhichfirstopenthehearttofriendshipandconfidence,graduallyleadingto
moreexpansivebenevolence.Addedtothis,hewillneveracquirethatfrankingenuousnessofbehaviour,
whichyoungpeoplecanonlyattainbybeingfrequentlyinsociety,wheretheydaretospeakwhattheythink
neitherafraidofbeingreprovedfortheirpresumption,norlaughedatfortheirfolly.

Forciblyimpressedbythereflectionswhichthesightofschools,astheyareatpresentconducted,naturally
suggested,Ihaveformerlydeliveredmyopinionratherwarmlyinfavourofaprivateeducationbutfurther
experiencehasledmetoviewthesubjectinadifferentlight.Istill,however,thinkschools,astheyarenow
regulated,thehotbedsofviceandfolly,andtheknowledgeofhumannature,supposedtobeattainedthere,
merelycunningselfishness.

Atschool,boysbecomegluttonsandslovens,and,insteadofcultivatingdomesticaffections,veryearlyrush
intothelibertinismwhichdestroystheconstitutionbeforeitisformedhardeningtheheartasitweakensthe
understanding.

Ishould,infact,beaversetoboardingschools,ifitwerefornootherreasonthantheunsettledstateofmind
whichtheexpectationofthevacationsproduce.Onthesethechildren'sthoughtsarefixedwitheager
anticipatinghopes,for,atleast,tospeakwithmoderation,halfofthetime,andwhentheyarrivetheyare
spentintotaldissipationandbeastlyindulgence.

But,onthecontrary,whentheyarebroughtupathome,thoughtheymaypursueaplanofstudyinamore
orderlymannerthancanbeadopted,whennearafourthpartoftheyearisactuallyspentinidleness,andas
muchmoreinregretandanticipationyettheythereacquiretoohighanopinionoftheirownimportance,
frombeingallowedtotyrannizeoverservants,andfromtheanxietyexpressedbymostmothers,onthescore
ofmanners,who,eagertoteachtheaccomplishmentsofagentleman,stifle,intheirbirth,thevirtuesofa
man.Thusbroughtintocompanywhentheyoughttobeseriouslyemployed,andtreatedlikemenwhenthey
arestillboys,theybecomevainandeffeminate.
Theonlywaytoavoidtwoextremesequallyinjurioustomorality,wouldbetocontrivesomewayof
combiningapublicandprivateeducation.Thustomakemencitizens,twonaturalstepsmightbetaken,
whichseemdirectlytoleadtothedesiredpointforthedomesticaffections,thatfirstopenthehearttothe
variousmodificationsofhumanitywouldbecultivated,whilstthechildrenwereneverthelessallowedto
spendgreatpartoftheirtime,ontermsofequality,withotherchildren.

Istillrecollect,withpleasure,thecountrydayschoolwhereaboytrudgedinthemorning,wetordry,
carryinghisbooks,andhisdinner,ifitwereataconsiderabledistanceaservantdidnotthenleadmasterby
thehand,for,whenhehadonceputoncoatandbreeches,hewasallowedtoshiftforhimself,andreturn
aloneintheeveningtorecountthefeatsofthedaycloseattheparentalknee.Hisfather'shousewashis
home,andwaseverafterfondlyrememberednay,Iappealtosomesuperiormenwhowereeducatedinthis
manner,whethertherecollectionofsomeshadylanewheretheyconnedtheirlessonor,ofsomestile,where
theysatmakingakite,ormendingabat,hasnotendearedtheircountrytothem?

But,whatboyeverrecollectedwithpleasuretheyearshespentincloseconfinement,atanacademynear
London?unlessindeedheshouldbychancerememberthepoorscarecrowofanusherwhomhetormented
or,thetartman,fromwhomhecaughtacake,todevouritwiththecattishappetiteofselfishness.Atboarding
schoolsofeverydescription,therelaxationofthejuniorboysismischiefandofthesenior,vice.Besides,in
greatschoolswhatcanbemoreprejudicialtothemoralcharacter,thanthesystemoftyrannyandabject
slaverywhichisestablishedamongsttheboys,tosaynothingoftheslaverytoforms,whichmakesreligion
worsethanafarce?ForwhatgoodcanbeexpectedfromtheyouthwhoreceivesthesacramentoftheLord's
supper,toavoidforfeitinghalfaguinea,whichheprobablyafterwardsspendsinsomesensualmanner?Half
theemploymentoftheyouthsistoeludethenecessityofattendingpublicworshipandwelltheymay,for
suchaconstantrepetitionofthesamethingmustbeaveryirksomerestraintontheirnaturalvivacity.As
theseceremonieshavethemostfataleffectontheirmorals,andasaritualperformedbythelips,whenthe
heartandmindarefaraway,isnotnowstoredupbyourchurchasabanktodrawonforthefeesofthepoor
soulsinpurgatory,whyshouldtheynotbeabolished?

Butthefearofinnovation,inthiscountry,extendstoeverything.Thisisonlyacovertfear,theapprehensive
timidityofindolentslugs,whoguard,byslimingitover,thesnugplace,whichtheyconsiderinthelightof
anhereditaryestateandeat,drink,andenjoythemselves,insteadoffulfillingtheduties,exceptingafew
emptyforms,forwhichitwasendowed.Thesearethepeoplewhomoststrenuouslyinsistonthewillofthe
founderbeingobserved,cryingoutagainstallreformation,asifitwereaviolationofjustice.Iamnow
alludingparticularlytotherelicksofpoperyretainedinourcolleges,wheretheprotestantmembersseemto
besuchsticklersfortheestablishedchurchbuttheirzealnevermakesthemlosesightofthespoilof
ignorance,whichrapaciouspriestsofsuperstitiousmemoryhavescrapedtogether.No,wiseintheir
generation,theyveneratetheprescriptiverightofpossession,asastronghold,andstillletthesluggishbell
tingletoprayers,asduringthedays,whentheelevationofthehostwassupposedtoatoneforthesinsofthe
people,lestonereformationshouldleadtoanother,andthespiritkilltheletter.TheseRomishcustomshave
themostbanefuleffectonthemoralsofourclergyfortheidleverminwhotwoorthreetimesaday
perform,inthemostslovenlymanneraservicewhichtheythinkuseless,butcalltheirduty,soonloseasense
ofduty.Atcollege,forcedtoattendorevadepublicworship,theyacquireanhabitualcontemptforthevery
service,theperformanceofwhichistoenablethemtoliveinidleness.Itismumbledoverasanaffairof
business,asastupidboyrepeatshistask,andfrequentlythecollegecantescapesfromthepreacherthe
momentafterhehasleftthepulpit,andevenwhilstheiseatingthedinnerwhichheearnedinsucha
dishonestmanner.

Nothing,indeed,canbemoreirreverentthanthecathedralserviceasitisnowperformedinthiscountry,
neitherdoesitcontainasetofweakermenthanthosewhoaretheslavesofthischildishroutine.A
disgustingskeletonoftheformerstateisstillexhibitedbutallthesolemnity,thatinterestedtheimagination,
ifitdidnotpurifytheheart,isstrippedoff.Theperformanceofhighmassonthecontinentmustimpress
everymind,whereasparkoffancyglows,withthatawfulmelancholy,thatsublimetenderness,sonearakin
todevotion.Idonotsay,thatthesedevotionalfeelingsareofmoreuse,inamoralsense,thananyother
emotionoftastebutIcontend,thatthetheatricalpompwhichgratifiesoursenses,istobepreferredtothe
coldparadethatinsultstheunderstandingwithoutreachingtheheart.

Amongstremarksonnationaleducation,suchobservationscannotbemisplaced,especiallyasthesupporters
oftheseestablishments,degeneratedintopuerilities,affecttobethechampionsofreligion.Religion,pure
sourceofcomfortinthisvaleoftears!howhasthyclearstreambeenmuddiedbythedabblers,whohave
presumptuouslyendeavouredtoconfineinonenarrowchannel,thelivingwatersthateverflowtowardGod
thesublimeoceanofexistence!WhatwouldlifebewithoutthatpeacewhichtheloveofGod,whenbuilt
onhumanity,alonecanimpart?Everyearthlyaffectionturnsback,atintervals,topreyupontheheartthat
feedsitandthepuresteffusionsofbenevolence,oftenrudelydampedbymen,mustmountasafreewill
offeringtoHimwhogavethembirth,whosebrightimagetheyfaintlyreflect.

Inpublicschools,however,religion,confoundedwithirksomeceremoniesandunreasonablerestraints,
assumesthemostungraciousaspect:notthesoberaustereonethatcommandsrespectwhilstitinspiresfear
butaludicrouscast,thatservestopointapun.For,infact,mostofthegoodstoriesandsmartthingswhich
enliventhespiritsthathavebeenconcentratedatwhist,aremanufacturedoutoftheincidentstowhichthe
verymenlabourtogiveadrollturnwhocountenancetheabusetoliveonthespoil.

Thereisnot,perhaps,inthekingdom,amoredogmaticalorluxurioussetofmen,thanthepedantictyrants
whoresideincollegesandpresideatpublicschools.Thevacationsareequallyinjurioustothemoralsofthe
mastersandpupils,andtheintercourse,whichtheformerkeepupwiththenobility,introducesthesame
vanityandextravaganceintotheirfamilies,whichbanishdomesticdutiesandcomfortsfromthelordly
mansion,whosestateisawkwardlyapedonasmallerscale.Theboys,wholiveatagreatexpencewiththe
mastersandassistants,areneverdomesticated,thoughplacedthereforthatpurposefor,afterasilentdinner,
theyswallowahastyglassofwine,andretiretoplansomemischievoustrick,ortoridiculethepersonor
mannersoftheverypeopletheyhavejustbeencringingto,andwhomtheyoughttoconsiderasthe
representativesoftheirparents.

Canitthenbeamatterofsurprise,thatboysbecomeselfishandviciouswhoarethusshutoutfromsocial
converse?orthatamitreoftengracesthebrowofoneofthesediligentpastors?Thedesireoflivinginthe
samestyle,astherankjustabovethem,infectseachindividualandeveryclassofpeople,andmeannessis
theconcomitantofthisignobleambitionbutthoseprofessionsaremostdebasingwhoseladderispatronage
yetoutofoneoftheseprofessionsthetutorsofyouthareingeneralchosen.But,cantheybeexpectedto
inspireindependentsentiments,whoseconductmustberegulatedbythecautiousprudencethatiseveronthe
watchforpreferment?

Sofar,however,fromthinkingofthemoralsofboys,Ihaveheardseveralmastersofschoolsargue,thatthey
onlyundertooktoteachLatinandGreekandthattheyhadfulfilledtheirduty,bysendingsomegood
scholarstocollege.

Afewgoodscholars,Igrant,mayhavebeenformedbyemulationanddisciplinebut,tobringforwardthese
cleverboys,thehealthandmoralsofanumberhavebeensacrificed.

Thesonsofourgentryandwealthycommonersaremostlyeducatedattheseseminaries,andwillanyone
pretendtoassert,thatthemajority,makingeveryallowance,comeunderthedescriptionoftolerable
scholars?

Itisnotforthebenefitofsocietythatafewbrilliantmenshouldbebroughtforwardattheexpenceofthe
multitude.Itistrue,thatgreatmenseemtostartup,asgreatrevolutionsoccur,atproperintervals,torestore
order,andtoblowasidethecloudsthatthickenoverthefaceoftruthbutletmorereasonandvirtueprevail
insociety,andthesestrongwindswouldnotbenecessary.Publiceducation,ofeverydenomination,should
bedirectedtoformcitizensbutifyouwishtomakegoodcitizens,youmustfirstexercisetheaffectionsofa
sonandabrother.Thisistheonlywaytoexpandtheheartforpublicaffections,aswellaspublicvirtues,
mustevergrowoutoftheprivatecharacter,ortheyaremerelymeteorsthatshootathwartadarksky,and
disappearastheyaregazedatandadmired.

Few,Ibelieve,havehadmuchaffectionformankind,whodidnotfirstlovetheirparents,theirbrothers,
sisters,andeventhedomesticbrutes,whomtheyfirstplayedwith.Theexerciseofyouthfulsympathies
formsthemoraltemperatureanditistherecollectionofthesefirstaffectionsandpursuits,thatgiveslifeto
thosethatareafterwardsmoreunderthedirectionofreason.Inyouth,thefondestfriendshipsareformed,the
genialjuicesmountingatthesametime,kindlymixor,rathertheheart,temperedforthereceptionof
friendship,isaccustomedtoseekforpleasureinsomethingmorenoblethanthechurlishgratificationof
appetite.
Inorderthentoinspirealoveofhomeanddomesticpleasures,childrenoughttobeeducatedathome,for
riotousholidaysonlymakethemfondofhomefortheirownsakes.Yet,thevacations,whichdonotfoster
domesticaffections,continuallydisturbthecourseofstudy,andrenderanyplanofimprovementabortive
whichincludestemperancestill,weretheyabolished,childrenwouldbeentirelyseparatedfromtheir
parents,andIquestionwhethertheywouldbecomebettercitizensbysacrificingthepreparatoryaffections,
bydestroyingtheforceofrelationshipsthatrenderthemarriagestateasnecessaryasrespectable.But,ifa
privateeducationproduceselfimportance,orinsulatesamaninhisfamily,theevilisonlyshifted,not
remedied.

Thistrainofreasoningbringsmebacktoasubject,onwhichImeantodwell,thenecessityofestablishing
properdayschools.

Buttheseshouldbenationalestablishments,forwhilstschoolmastersaredependentonthecapriceof
parents,littleexertioncanbeexpectedfromthem,morethanisnecessarytopleaseignorantpeople.Indeed,
thenecessityofamaster'sgivingtheparentssomesampleoftheboy'sabilities,whichduringthevacation,is
showntoeveryvisiter,isproductiveofmoremischiefthanwouldatfirstbesupposed.Fortheyareseldom
doneentirely,tospeakwithmoderation,bythechilditselfthusthemastercountenancesfalsehoods,or
windsthepoormachineuptosomeextraordinaryexertion,thatinjuresthewheels,andstopstheprogressof
gradualimprovement.Thememoryisloadedwithunintelligiblewords,tomakeashowof,withoutthe
understanding'sacquiringanydistinctideas:butonlythateducationdeservesemphaticallytobetermed
cultivationofmind,whichteachesyoungpeoplehowtobegintothink.Theimaginationshouldnotbe
allowedtodebauchtheunderstandingbeforeitgainedstrength,orvanitywillbecometheforerunnerofvice:
foreverywayofexhibitingtheacquirementsofachildisinjurioustoitsmoralcharacter.

Howmuchtimeislostinteachingthemtorecitewhattheydonotunderstand!whilst,seatedonbenches,all
intheirbestarray,themammaslistenwithastonishmenttotheparrotlikeprattle,utteredinsolemn
cadences,withallthepompofignoranceandfolly.Suchexhibitionsonlyservetostrikethespreadingfibres
ofvanitythroughthewholemindfortheyneitherteachchildrentospeakfluently,norbehavegracefully.So
farfromit,thatthesefrivolouspursuitsmightcomprehensivelybetermedthestudyofaffectation:forwe
nowrarelyseeasimple,bashfulboy,thoughfewpeopleoftastewereeverdisgustedbythatawkward
sheepishnesssonaturaltotheage,whichschoolsandanearlyintroductionintosociety,havechangedinto
impudenceandapishgrimace.

Yet,howcanthesethingsberemediedwhilstschoolmastersdependentirelyonparentsforasubsistenceand
whensomanyrivalschoolshangouttheirlurestocatchtheattentionofvainfathersandmothers,whose
parentalaffectiononlyleadsthemtowish,thattheirchildrenshouldoutshinethoseoftheirneighbours?

Withoutgreatgoodluck,asensible,conscientiousman,wouldstarvebeforehecouldraiseaschool,ifhe
disdainedtobubbleweakparents,bypractisingthesecrettricksofthecraft.

Inthebestregulatedschools,however,whereswarmsarenotcrammedtogethermanybadhabitsmustbe
acquiredbut,atcommonschools,thebody,heart,andunderstanding,areequallystunted,forparentsare
oftenonlyinquestofthecheapestschool,andthemastercouldnotlive,ifhedidnottakeamuchgreater
numberthanhecouldmanagehimselfnorwillthescantypittance,allowedforeachchild,permithimto
hireusherssufficienttoassistinthedischargeofthemechanicalpartofthebusiness.Besides,whatever
appearancethehouseandgardenmaymake,thechildrendonotenjoythecomfortsofeither,fortheyare
continuallyreminded,byirksomerestrictions,thattheyarenotathome,andthestaterooms,garden,etc.
mustbekeptinorderfortherecreationoftheparentswho,ofaSunday,visittheschool,andareimpressed
bytheveryparadethatrendersthesituationoftheirchildrenuncomfortable.

WithwhatdisgusthaveIheardsensiblewomen,forgirlsaremorerestrainedandcowedthanboys,speakof
thewearisomeconfinementwhichtheyenduredatschool.Notallowed,perhaps,tostepoutofonebroad
walkinasuperbgarden,andobligedtopacewithsteadydeportmentstupidlybackwardsandforwards,
holdinguptheirheads,andturningouttheirtoes,withshouldersbracedback,insteadofbounding,asnature
directstocompleteherowndesign,inthevariousattitudessoconducivetohealth.Thepureanimalspirits,
whichmakebothmindandbodyshootout,andunfoldthetenderblossomsofhopeareturnedsour,and
ventedinvainwishes,orpertrepinings,thatcontractthefacultiesandspoilthetemperelsetheymountto
thebrainandsharpeningtheunderstandingbeforeitgainsproportionablestrength,producethatpitiful
cunningwhichdisgracefullycharacterizesthefemalemindandIfearwillevercharacterizeitwhilst
womenremaintheslavesofpower!

Thelittlerespectwhichthemaleworldpaytochastityis,Iampersuaded,thegrandsourceofmanyofthe
physicalandmoralevilsthattormentmankind,aswellasofthevicesandfolliesthatdegradeanddestroy
womenyetatschool,boysinfalliblylosethatdecentbashfulness,whichmighthaveripenedintomodestyat
home.

IhavealreadyanimadvertedonthebadhabitswhichfemalesacquirewhentheyareshutuptogetherandI
thinkthattheobservationmayfairlybeextendedtotheothersex,tillthenaturalinferenceisdrawnwhichI
havehadinviewthroughoutthattoimprovebothsexestheyought,notonlyinprivatefamilies,butin
publicschools,tobeeducatedtogether.Ifmarriagebethecementofsociety,mankindshouldallbeeducated
afterthesamemodel,ortheintercourseofthesexeswillneverdeservethenameoffellowship,norwill
womeneverfulfilthepeculiardutiesoftheirsex,tilltheybecomeenlightenedcitizens,tilltheybecomefree,
bybeingenabledtoearntheirownsubsistence,independentofmeninthesamemanner,Imean,toprevent
misconstruction,asonemanisindependentofanother.Nay,marriagewillneverbeheldsacredtillwomen
bybeingbroughtupwithmen,arepreparedtobetheircompanions,ratherthantheirmistressesforthemean
doublingsofcunningwilleverrenderthemcontemptible,whilstoppressionrendersthemtimid.So
convincedamIofthistruth,thatIwillventuretopredict,thatvirtuewillneverprevailinsocietytillthe
virtuesofbothsexesarefoundedonreasonand,tilltheaffectioncommontobothareallowedtogaintheir
duestrengthbythedischargeofmutualduties.

Wereboysandgirlspermittedtopursuethesamestudiestogether,thosegracefuldecenciesmightearlybe
inculcatedwhichproducemodesty,withoutthosesexualdistinctionsthattaintthemind.Lessonsof
politeness,andthatformularyofdecorum,whichtreadsontheheelsoffalsehood,wouldberendereduseless
byhabitualproprietyofbehaviour.Not,indeedputonforvisiterslikethecourtlyrobeofpoliteness,butthe
sobereffectofcleanlinessofmind.Wouldnotthissimpleeleganceofsinceritybeachastehomagepaidto
domesticaffections,farsurpassingthemeretriciouscomplimentsthatshinewithfalselustreintheheartless
intercourseoffashionablelife?But,tillmoreunderstandingpreponderateinsociety,therewilleverbeawant
ofheartandtaste,andtheharlot'srougewillsupplytheplaceofthatcelestialsuffusionwhichonlyvirtuous
affectionscangivetotheface.Gallantry,andwhatiscalledlove,maysubsistwithoutsimplicityof
characterbutthemainpillarsoffriendship,arerespectandconfidenceesteemisneverfoundedonit
cannottellwhat.

Atasteforthefineartsrequiresgreatcultivationbutnotmorethanatasteforthevirtuousaffections:and
bothsupposethatenlargementofmindwhichopenssomanysourcesofmentalpleasure.Whydopeople
hurrytonoisyscenesandcrowdedcircles?Ishouldanswer,becausetheywantactivityofmind,becausethey
havenotcherishedthevirtuesoftheheart.Theyonly,therefore,seeandfeelinthegross,andcontinually
pineaftervariety,findingeverythingthatissimple,insipid.

Thisargumentmaybecarriedfurtherthanphilosophersareawareof,forifnaturedestinedwoman,in
particular,forthedischargeofdomesticduties,shemadehersusceptibleoftheattachedaffectionsinagreat
degree.Nowwomenarenotoriouslyfondofpleasureandnaturallymustbeso,accordingtomydefinition,
becausetheycannotenterintotheminutiaeofdomestictastelackingjudgmentthefoundationofalltaste.
Fortheunderstanding,inspiteofsensualcavillers,reservestoitselftheprivilegeofconveyingpurejoyto
theheart.

WithwhatalanguidyawnhaveIseenanadmirablepoemthrowndown,thatamanoftruetastereturnsto,
againandagainwithraptureand,whilstmelodyhasalmostsuspendedrespiration,aladyhasaskedme
whereIboughtmygown.Ihaveseenalsoaneyeglancedcoldlyoveramostexquisitepicture,rest,
sparklingwithpleasure,onacaricaturerudelysketchedandwhilstsometerrificfeatureinnaturehasspread
asublimestillnessthroughmysoul,Ihavebeendesiredtoobservetheprettytricksofalapdog,thatmy
perversefateforcedmetotravelwith.Isitsurprising,thatsuchatastelessbeingshouldrathercaressthisdog
thanherchildren?Or,thatsheshouldprefertherantofflatterytothesimpleaccentsofsincerity?

ToillustratethisremarkImustbeallowedtoobserve,thatmenofthefirstgenius,andmostcultivated
minds,haveappearedtohavethehighestrelishforthesimplebeautiesofnatureandtheymusthaveforcibly
felt,whattheyhavesowelldescribed,thecharm,whichnaturalaffections,andunsophisticatedfeelings
spreadroundthehumancharacter.Itisthispoweroflookingintotheheart,andresponsivelyvibratingwith
eachemotion,thatenablesthepoettopersonifyeachpassion,andthepaintertosketchwithapenciloffire.

Truetasteisevertheworkoftheunderstandingemployedinobservingnaturaleffectsandtillwomenhave
moreunderstanding,itisvaintoexpectthemtopossessdomestictaste.Theirlivelysenseswilleverbeat
worktohardentheirhearts,andtheemotionsstruckoutofthemwillcontinuetobevividandtransitory,
unlessapropereducationstorestheirmindswithknowledge.

Itisthewantofdomestictaste,andnottheacquirementofknowledge,thattakeswomenoutoftheir
families,andtearsthesmilingbabefromthebreastthatoughttoafforditnourishment.Womenhavebeen
allowedtoremaininignorance,andslavishdependence,many,verymanyyears,andstillwehearofnothing
buttheirfondnessofpleasureandsway,theirpreferenceofrakesandsoldiers,theirchildishattachmentto
toys,andthevanitythatmakesthemvalueaccomplishmentsmorethanvirtues.

Historybringsforwardafearfulcatalogueofthecrimeswhichtheircunninghasproduced,whentheweak
slaveshavehadsufficientaddresstooverreachtheirmasters.InFrance,andinhowmanyothercountries
havemenbeentheluxuriousdespots,andwomenthecraftyministers?Doesthisprovethatignoranceand
dependencedomesticatethem?Isnottheirfollythebywordofthelibertines,whorelaxintheirsocietyand
donotmenofsensecontinuallylament,thatanimmoderatefondnessfordressanddissipationcarriesthe
motherofafamilyforeverfromhome?Theirheartshavenotbeendebauchedbyknowledge,northeir
mindsledastraybyscientificpursuitsyet,theydonotfulfilthepeculiarduties,whichaswomentheyare
calleduponbynaturetofulfil.Onthecontrary,thestateofwarfarewhichsubsistsbetweenthesexes,makes
thememploythosewiles,thatfrustratethemoreopendesignsofforce.

When,therefore,Icallwomenslaves,Imeaninapoliticalandcivilsensefor,indirectlytheyobtaintoo
muchpower,andaredebasedbytheirexertionstoobtainillicitsway.

Letanenlightenednationthentrywhateffectreasonwouldhavetobringthembacktonature,andtheir
dutyandallowingthemtosharetheadvantagesofeducationandgovernmentwithman,seewhetherthey
willbecomebetter,astheygrowwiserandbecomefree.Theycannotbeinjuredbytheexperimentforitis
notinthepowerofmantorenderthemmoreinsignificantthantheyareatpresent.

Torenderthispracticable,dayschoolsforparticularagesshouldbeestablishedbygovernment,inwhich
boysandgirlsmightbeeducatedtogether.Theschoolfortheyoungerchildren,fromfivetonineyearsof
age,oughttobeabsolutelyfreeandopentoallclasses.*Asufficientnumberofmastersshouldalsobe
chosenbyaselectcommittee,ineachparish,towhomanycomplaintofnegligence,etc.mightbemade,if
signedbysixofthechildren'sparents.

(*Footnote.Treatingthispartofthesubject,Ihaveborrowedsomehintsfromaverysensiblepamphlet
writtenbythelatebishopofAutunonpublicEducation.)

Usherswouldthenbeunnecessaryfor,Ibelieve,experiencewilleverprove,thatthiskindofsubordinate
authorityisparticularlyinjurioustothemoralsofyouth.What,indeed,cantendtodepravethecharacter
morethanoutwardsubmissionandinwardcontempt?Yet,howcanboysbeexpectedtotreatanusherwith
respectwhenthemasterseemstoconsiderhiminthelightofaservant,andalmosttocountenancethe
ridiculewhichbecomesthechiefamusementoftheboysduringtheplayhours?

Butnothingofthiskindcouldoccurinanelementarydayschool,whereboysandgirls,therichandpoor,
shouldmeettogether.Andtopreventanyofthedistinctionsofvanity,theyshouldbedressedalike,andall
obligedtosubmittothesamediscipline,orleavetheschool.Theschoolroomoughttobesurroundedbya
largepieceofground,inwhichthechildrenmightbeusefullyexercised,foratthisagetheyshouldnotbe
confinedtoanysedentaryemploymentformorethananhouratatime.Buttheserelaxationsmightallbe
renderedapartofelementaryeducation,formanythingsimproveandamusethesenses,whenintroducedas
akindofshow,totheprinciplesofwhichdrylylaiddown,childrenwouldturnadeafear.Forinstance,
botany,mechanics,andastronomy.Reading,writing,arithmetic,naturalhistory,andsomesimple
experimentsinnaturalphilosophy,mightfillupthedaybutthesepursuitsshouldneverencroachon
gymnasticplaysintheopenair.Theelementsofreligion,history,thehistoryofman,andpolitics,mightalso
betaughtbyconversations,inthesocraticform.
Aftertheageofnine,girlsandboys,intendedfordomesticemployments,ormechanicaltrades,oughttobe
removedtootherschools,andreceiveinstruction,insomemeasureappropriatedtothedestinationofeach
individual,thetwosexesbeingstilltogetherinthemorningbutintheafternoon,thegirlsshouldattenda
school,whereplainwork,mantuamaking,millinery,etc.wouldbetheiremployment.

Theyoungpeopleofsuperiorabilities,orfortune,mightnowbetaught,inanotherschool,thedeadand
livinglanguages,theelementsofscience,andcontinuethestudyofhistoryandpolitics,onamoreextensive
scale,whichwouldnotexcludepoliteliterature.Girlsandboysstilltogether?Ihearsomereadersask:yes.
AndIshouldnotfearanyotherconsequence,thanthatsomeearlyattachmentmighttakeplacewhich,
whilstithadthebesteffectonthemoralcharacteroftheyoungpeople,mightnotperfectlyagreewiththe
viewsoftheparents,foritwillbealongtime,Ifear,beforetheworldissoenlightened,thatparents,only
anxioustorendertheirchildrenvirtuous,willletthemchoosecompanionsforlifethemselves.

Besides,thiswouldbeasurewaytopromoteearlymarriages,andfromearlymarriagesthemostsalutary
physicalandmoraleffectsnaturallyflow.Whatadifferentcharacterdoesamarriedcitizenassumefromthe
selfishcoxcomb,wholivesbutforhimself,andwhoisoftenafraidtomarrylestheshouldnotbeabletolive
inacertainstyle.Greatemergenciesexcepted,whichwouldrarelyoccurinasocietyofwhichequalitywas
thebasis,amancouldonlybepreparedtodischargethedutiesofpubliclife,bythehabitualpracticeofthose
inferioroneswhichformtheman.

Inthisplanofeducation,theconstitutionofboyswouldnotberuinedbytheearlydebaucheries,whichnow
makemensoselfish,norgirlsrenderedweakandvain,byindolenceandfrivolouspursuits.But,I
presuppose,thatsuchadegreeofequalityshouldbeestablishedbetweenthesexesaswouldshutout
gallantryandcoquetry,yetallowfriendshipandlovetotempertheheartforthedischargeofhigherduties.

Thesewouldbeschoolsofmoralityandthehappinessofman,allowedtoflowfromthepurespringsof
dutyandaffection,whatadvancesmightnotthehumanmindmake?Societycanonlybehappyandfreein
proportionasitisvirtuousbutthepresentdistinctions,establishedinsociety,corrodeallprivate,andblast
allpublicvirtue.

Ihavealreadyinveighedagainstthecustomofconfininggirlstotheirneedle,andshuttingthemoutfromall
politicalandcivilemploymentsforbythusnarrowingtheirmindstheyarerenderedunfittofulfilthe
peculiardutieswhichnaturehasassignedthem.

Onlyemployedaboutthelittleincidentsoftheday,theynecessarilygrowupcunning.Myverysoulhas
oftensickenedatobservingtheslytrickspractisedbywomentogainsomefoolishthingonwhichtheirsilly
heartswereset.Notallowedtodisposeofmoney,orcallanythingtheirown,theylearntoturnthemarket
pennyor,shouldahusbandoffend,bystayingfromhome,orgiverisetosomeemotionsofjealousyanew
gown,oranyprettybauble,smoothsJuno'sangrybrow.

ButtheseLITTLENESSESwouldnotdegradetheircharacter,ifwomenwereledtorespectthemselves,if
politicalandmoralsubjectswereopenedtothemandIwillventuretoaffirm,thatthisistheonlywayto
makethemproperlyattentivetotheirdomesticduties.Anactivemindembracesthewholecircleofits
duties,andfindstimeenoughforall.Itisnot,Iassert,aboldattempttoemulatemasculinevirtuesitisnot
theenchantmentofliterarypursuits,orthesteadyinvestigationofscientificsubjects,thatleadwomenastray
fromduty.No,itisindolenceandvanitytheloveofpleasureandtheloveofsway,thatwillreign
paramountinanemptymind.Isayempty,emphatically,becausetheeducationwhichwomennowreceive
scarcelydeservesthename.Forthelittleknowledgetheyareledtoacquireduringtheimportantyearsof
youth,ismerelyrelativetoaccomplishmentsandaccomplishmentswithoutabottom,forunlessthe
understandingbecultivated,superficialandmonotonousiseverygrace.Likethecharmsofamadeupface,
theyonlystrikethesensesinacrowdbutathome,wantingmind,theywantvariety.Theconsequenceis
obviousingayscenesofdissipationwemeettheartificialmindandface,forthosewhoflyfromsolitude
dreadnexttosolitude,thedomesticcirclenothavingitintheirpowertoamuseorinterest,theyfeeltheir
owninsignificance,orfindnothingtoamuseorinterestthemselves.

Besides,whatcanbemoreindelicatethanagirl'scomingoutinthefashionableworld?Which,inother
words,istobringtomarketamarriageablemiss,whosepersonistakenfromonepublicplacetoanother,
richlycaparisoned.Yet,mixinginthegiddycircleunderrestraint,thesebutterflieslongtoflutteratlarge,for
thefirstaffectionoftheirsoulsistheirownpersons,towhichtheirattentionhasbeencalledwiththemost
sedulouscare,whilsttheywerepreparingfortheperiodthatdecidestheirfateforlife.Insteadofpursuing
thisidleroutine,sighingfortastelessshow,andheartlessstate,withwhatdignitywouldtheyouthsofboth
sexesformattachmentsintheschoolsthatIhavecursorilypointedoutinwhich,aslifeadvanced,dancing,
music,anddrawing,mightbeadmittedasrelaxations,forattheseschoolsyoungpeopleoffortuneoughtto
remain,moreorless,tilltheywereofage.Those,whoweredesignedforparticularprofessions,might
attend,threeorfourmorningsintheweek,theschoolsappropriatedfortheirimmediateinstruction.

Ionlydroptheseobservationsatpresent,ashintsrather,indeedasanoutlineoftheplanImean,thana
digestedonebutImustadd,thatIhighlyapproveofoneregulationmentionedinthepamphletalready
alludedto(TheBishopofAutun),thatofmakingthechildrenandyouthsindependentofthemasters
respectingpunishments.Theyshouldbetriedbytheirpeers,whichwouldbeanadmirablemethodoffixing
soundprinciplesofjusticeinthemind,andmighthavethehappiesteffectonthetemper,whichisveryearly
souredorirritatedbytyranny,tillitbecomespeevishlycunning,orferociouslyoverbearing.

Myimaginationdartsforwardwithbenevolentfervourtogreettheseamiableandrespectablegroups,inspite
ofthesneeringofcoldhearts,whoareatlibertytoutter,withfrigidselfimportance,thedamningepithet
romantictheforceofwhichIshallendeavourtobluntbyrepeatingthewordsofaneloquentmoralist."I
knownotwhethertheallusionsofatrulyhumaneheart,whosezealrenderseverythingeasy,isnot
preferabletothatroughandrepulsingreason,whichalwaysfindsinindifferenceforthepublicgood,thefirst
obstacletowhateverwouldpromoteit."

Iknowthatlibertineswillalsoexclaim,thatwomanwouldbeunsexedbyacquiringstrengthofbodyand
mind,andthatbeauty,softbewitchingbeauty!wouldnolongeradornthedaughtersofmen.Iamofavery
differentopinion,forIthink,that,onthecontrary,weshouldthenseedignifiedbeauty,andtruegraceto
producewhich,manypowerfulphysicalandmoralcauseswouldconcur.Notrelaxedbeauty,itistrue,nor
thegracesofhelplessnessbutsuchasappearstomakeusrespectthehumanbodyasamajesticpile,fitto
receiveanobleinhabitant,intherelicsofantiquity.

Idonotforgetthepopularopinion,thattheGrecianstatueswerenotmodelledafternature.Imean,not
accordingtotheproportionsofaparticularmanbutthatbeautifullimbsandfeatureswereselectedfrom
variousbodiestoformanharmoniouswhole.Thismight,insomedegree,betrue.Thefineidealpictureof
anexaltedimaginationmightbesuperiortothematerialswhichthepainterfoundinnature,andthusitmight
withproprietybetermedratherthemodelofmankindthanofaman.Itwasnot,however,themechanical
selectionoflimbsandfeatures,buttheebullitionofanheatedfancythatburstforthandthefinesensesand
enlargedunderstandingoftheartistselectedthesolidmatter,whichhedrewintothisglowingfocus.

Iobservedthatitwasnotmechanical,becauseawholewasproducedamodelofthatgrandsimplicity,of
thoseconcurringenergies,whicharrestourattentionandcommandourreverence.Foronlyinsipidlifeless
beautyisproducedbyaservilecopyofevenbeautifulnature.Yet,independentoftheseobservations,I
believe,thatthehumanformmusthavebeenfarmorebeautifulthanitisatpresent,becauseextreme
indolence,barbarousligatures,andmanycauses,whichforciblyactonit,inourluxuriousstateofsociety,
didnotretarditsexpansion,orrenderitdeformed.Exerciseandcleanlinessappeartobenotonlythesurest
meansofpreservinghealth,butofpromotingbeauty,thephysicalcausesonlyconsideredyet,thisisnot
sufficient,moralonesmustconcur,orbeautywillbemerelyofthatrustickindwhichbloomsonthe
innocent,wholesomecountenancesofsomecountrypeople,whosemindshavenotbeenexercised.Torender
thepersonperfect,physicalandmoralbeautyoughttobeattainedatthesametimeeachlendingand
receivingforcebythecombination.Judgmentmustresideonthebrow,affectionandfancybeamintheeye,
andhumanitycurvethecheek,orvainisthesparklingofthefinesteyeortheelegantlyturnedfinishofthe
fairestfeatureswhilstineverymotionthatdisplaystheactivelimbsandwellknitjoints,graceandmodesty
shouldappear.Butthisfairassemblageisnottobebroughttogetherbychanceitistherewardofexertions
mettosupporteachotherforjudgmentcanonlybeacquiredbyreflection,affection,bythedischargeof
duties,andhumanitybytheexerciseofcompassiontoeverylivingcreature.

Humanitytoanimalsshouldbeparticularlyinculcatedasapartofnationaleducation,foritisnotatpresent
oneofournationalvirtues.Tendernessfortheirhumbledumbdomestics,amongstthelowerclass,isoftener
tobefoundinasavagethanacivilizedstate.Forcivilizationpreventsthatintercoursewhichcreates
affectionintherudehut,ormudcabin,andleadsuncultivatedmindswhoareonlydepravedbythe
refinementswhichprevailinthesociety,wheretheyaretroddenunderfootbytherich,todomineerover
themtorevengetheinsultsthattheyareobligedtobearfromtheirsuperiours.

Thishabitualcrueltyisfirstcaughtatschool,whereitisoneoftheraresportsoftheboystotormentthe
miserablebrutesthatfallintheirway.Thetransition,astheygrowup,frombarbaritytobrutestodomestic
tyrannyoverwives,children,andservants,isveryeasy.Justice,orevenbenevolence,willnotbeapowerful
springofaction,unlessitextendtothewholecreationnay,Ibelievethatitmaybedeliveredasanaxiom,
thatthosewhocanseepain,unmoved,willsoonlearntoinflictit.

Thevulgarareswayedbypresentfeelings,andthehabitswhichtheyhaveaccidentallyacquiredbuton
partialfeelingsmuchdependencecannotbeplaced,thoughtheybejustfor,whentheyarenotinvigorated
byreflection,customweakensthem,tilltheyarescarcelyfelt.Thesympathiesofournaturearestrengthened
byponderingcogitations,anddeadenedbythoughtlessuse.Macbeth'sheartsmotehimmoreforonemurder,
thefirst,thanforahundredsubsequentones,whichwerenecessarytobackit.But,whenIusedtheepithet
vulgar,Ididnotmeantoconfinemyremarktothepoor,forpartialhumanity,foundedonpresentsensations
orwhim,isquiteasconspicuous,ifnotmoreso,amongsttherich.

Theladywhoshedstearsforthebirdstarvedinasnare,andexecratesthedevilsintheshapeofmen,who
goadtomadnessthepoorox,orwhipthepatientass,totteringunderaburdenaboveitsstrength,will,
nevertheless,keephercoachmanandhorseswholehourswaitingforher,whenthesharpfrostbites,orthe
rainbeatsagainstthewellclosedwindowswhichdonotadmitabreathofairtotellherhowroughlythe
windblowswithout.Andshewhotakesherdogstobed,andnursesthemwithaparadeofsensibility,when
sick,willsufferherbabestogrowupcrookedinanursery.Thisillustrationofmyargumentisdrawnfroma
matteroffact.ThewomanwhomIalludetowashandsome,reckonedveryhandsome,bythosewhodonot
missthemindwhenthefaceisplumpandfairbutherunderstandinghadnotbeenledfromfemaledutiesby
literature,norherinnocencedebauchedbyknowledge.No,shewasquitefeminine,accordingtothe
masculineacceptationofthewordand,sofarfromlovingthesespoiledbrutesthatfilledtheplacewhichher
childrenoughttohaveoccupied,sheonlylispedoutaprettymixtureofFrenchandEnglishnonsense,to
pleasethemenwhoflockedroundher.Thewife,mother,andhumancreature,wereallswallowedupbythe
factitiouscharacter,whichanimpropereducation,andtheselfishvanityofbeauty,hadproduced.

Idonotliketomakeadistinctionwithoutadifference,andIownthatIhavebeenasmuchdisgustedbythe
fineladywhotookherlapdogtoherbosom,insteadofherchildasbytheferocityofaman,who,beating
hishorse,declared,thatheknewaswellwhenhedidwrongasaChristian.

Thisbroodoffollyshowshowmistakentheyarewho,iftheyallowwomentoleavetheirharams,donot
cultivatetheirunderstanding,inordertoplantvirtuesintheirhearts.Forhadtheysense,theymightacquire
thatdomestictastewhichwouldleadthemtolovewithreasonablesubordinationtheirwholefamily,from
thehusbandtothehousedognorwouldtheyeverinsulthumanityinthepersonofthemostmenialservant,
bypayingmoreattentiontothecomfortofabrute,thantothatofafellowcreature.

MyobservationsonnationaleducationareobviouslyhintsbutIprincipallywishtoenforcethenecessityof
educatingthesexestogethertoperfectboth,andofmakingchildrensleepathome,thattheymaylearnto
lovehomeyettomakeprivatesupportinsteadofsmotheringpublicaffections,theyshouldbesenttoschool
tomixwithanumberofequals,foronlybythejostlingsofequalitycanweformajustopinionofourselves.

Torendermankindmorevirtuous,andhappierofcourse,bothsexesmustactfromthesameprinciplebut
howcanthatbeexpectedwhenonlyoneisallowedtoseethereasonablenessofit?Torenderalsothesocial
compacttrulyequitable,andinordertospreadthoseenlighteningprinciples,whichalonecanmelioratethe
fateofman,womenmustbeallowedtofoundtheirvirtueonknowledge,whichisscarcelypossibleunless
theybeeducatedbythesamepursuitsasmen.Fortheyarenowmadesoinferiourbyignoranceandlow
desires,asnottodeservetoberankedwiththemor,bytheserpentinewrigglingsofcunningtheymountthe
treeofknowledgeandonlyacquiresufficienttoleadmenastray.

Itisplainfromthehistoryofallnations,thatwomencannotbeconfinedtomerelydomesticpursuits,for
theywillnotfulfilfamilyduties,unlesstheirmindstakeawiderrange,andwhilsttheyarekeptinignorance,
theybecomeinthesameproportion,theslavesofpleasureastheyaretheslavesofman.Norcantheybe
shutoutofgreatenterprises,thoughthenarrownessoftheirmindsoftenmakethemmarwhattheyare
unabletocomprehend.
Thelibertinism,andeventhevirtuesofsuperiormen,willalwaysgivewomen,ofsomedescription,great
poweroverthemandtheseweakwomen,undertheinfluenceofchildishpassionsandselfishvanity,will
throwafalselightovertheobjectswhichtheverymenviewwiththeireyes,whooughttoenlightentheir
judgment.Menoffancy,andthosesanguinecharacterswhomostlyholdthehelmofhumanaffairs,in
general,relaxinthesocietyofwomenandsurelyIneednotcitetothemostsuperficialreaderofhistory,the
numerousexamplesofviceandoppressionwhichtheprivateintriguesoffemalefavouriteshaveproduced
nottodwellonthemischiefthatnaturallyarisesfromtheblunderinginterpositionofwellmeaningfolly.For
inthetransactionsofbusinessitismuchbettertohavetodealwithaknavethanafool,becauseaknave
adherestosomeplanandanyplanofreasonmaybeseenthroughmuchsoonerthanasuddenflightoffolly.
Thepowerwhichvileandfoolishwomenhavehadoverwisemen,whopossessedsensibility,isnotoriousI
shallonlymentiononeinstance.

WhoeverdrewamoreexaltedfemalecharacterthanRousseau?thoughinthelumpheconstantly
endeavouredtodegradethesex.Andwhywashethusanxious?Trulytojustifytohimselftheaffection
whichweaknessandvirtuehadmadehimcherishforthatfoolTheresa.Hecouldnotraisehertothe
commonlevelofhersexandthereforehelabouredtobringwomandowntoher's.Hefoundhera
convenienthumblecompanion,andpridemadehimdeterminetofindsomesuperiorvirtuesinthebeing
whomhechosetolivewithbutdidnotherconductduringhislife,andafterhisdeath,clearlyshowhow
grosslyhewasmistakenwhocalledheracelestialinnocent.Nay,inthebitternessofhisheart,hehimself
laments,thatwhenhisbodilyinfirmitiesmadehimnolongertreatherlikeawoman,sheceasedtohavean
affectionforhim.Anditwasverynaturalthatsheshould,forhavingsofewsentimentsincommon,when
thesexualtiewasbroken,whatwastoholdher?Toholdheraffectionwhosesensibilitywasconfinedtoone
sex,nay,tooneman,itrequiressensetoturnsensibilityintothebroadchannelofhumanity:manywomen
havenotmindenoughtohaveanaffectionforawoman,orafriendshipforaman.Butthesexualweakness
thatmakeswomandependonmanforasubsistence,producesakindofcattishaffection,whichleadsawife
topurraboutherhusband,asshewouldaboutanymanwhofedandcaressedher.

Men,arehowever,oftengratifiedbythiskindoffondnesswhichisconfinedinabeastlymannerto
themselves,butshouldtheyeverbecomemorevirtuous,theywillwishtoconverseattheirfiresidewitha
friend,aftertheyceasetoplaywithamistress.Besides,understandingisnecessarytogivevarietyand
interesttosensualenjoyments,forlow,indeed,intheintellectualscale,isthemindthatcancontinuetolove
whenneithervirtuenorsensegiveahumanappearancetoananimalappetite.Butsensewillalways
preponderateandifwomenarenot,ingeneral,broughtmoreonalevelwithmen,somesuperiorwomen,
liketheGreekcourtezanswillassemblethemenofabilitiesaroundthem,anddrawfromtheirfamiliesmany
citizens,whowouldhavestayedathome,hadtheirwiveshadmoresense,orthegraceswhichresultfrom
theexerciseoftheunderstandingandfancy,thelegitimateparentsoftaste.Awomanoftalents,ifshebenot
absolutelyugly,willalwaysobtaingreatpower,raisedbytheweaknessofhersexandinproportionasmen
acquirevirtueanddelicacy:bytheexertionofreason,theywilllookforbothinwomen,buttheycanonly
acquiretheminthesamewaythatmendo.

InFranceorItalyhavethewomenconfinedthemselvestodomesticlife?thoughtheyhavenothithertohada
politicalexistence,yet,havetheynotillicitlyhadgreatsway?corruptingthemselvesandthemenwithwhose
passionstheyplayed?Inshort,inwhateverlightIviewthesubject,reasonandexperienceconvinceme,that
theonlymethodofleadingwomentofulfiltheirpeculiarduties,istofreethemfromallrestraintbyallowing
themtoparticipatetheinherentrightsofmankind.

Makethemfree,andtheywillquicklybecomewiseandvirtuous,asmenbecomemoresoforthe
improvementmustbemutual,orthejusticewhichonehalfofthehumanraceareobligedtosubmitto,
retortingontheiroppressors,thevirtueofmanwillbewormeatenbytheinsectwhomhekeepsunderhis
feet.

Letmentaketheirchoice,manandwomanweremadeforeachother,thoughnottobecomeonebeingand
iftheywillnotimprovewomen,theywilldepravethem!

Ispeakoftheimprovementandemancipationofthewholesex,forIknowthatthebehaviourofafew
women,whobyaccident,orfollowingastrongbentofnature,haveacquiredaportionofknowledge
superiortothatoftherestoftheirsex,hasoftenbeenoverbearingbuttherehavebeeninstancesofwomen
who,attainingknowledge,havenotdiscardedmodesty,norhavetheyalwayspedanticallyappearedto
despisetheignorancewhichtheylabouredtodisperseintheirownminds.Theexclamationsthenwhichany
advicerespectingfemalelearning,commonlyproduces,especiallyfromprettywomen,oftenarisefrom
envy.Whentheychancetoseethateventhelustreoftheireyes,andtheflippantsportivenessofrefined
coquetrywillnotalwayssecurethemattention,duringawholeevening,shouldawomanofamore
cultivatedunderstandingendeavourtogivearationalturntotheconversation,thecommonsourceof
consolationis,thatsuchwomenseldomgethusbands.WhatartshaveInotseensillywomenusetointerrupt
byFLIRTATION,(averysignificantwordtodescribesuchamanoeuvre)arationalconversation,which
madethemenforgetthattheywereprettywomen.

But,allowingwhatisverynaturaltomanthatthepossessionofrareabilitiesisreallycalculatedtoexcite
overweeningpride,disgustinginbothmenandwomeninwhatastateofinferioritymustthefemale
facultieshaverustedwhensuchasmallportionofknowledgeasthosewomenattained,whohavesneeringly
beentermedlearnedwomen,couldbesingular?Sufficientlysotopuffupthepossessor,andexciteenvyin
hercontemporaries,andsomeoftheothersex.Nay,hasnotalittlerationalityexposedmanywomentothe
severestcensure?Iadverttowellknownfacts,forIhavefrequentlyheardwomenridiculed,andeverylittle
weaknessexposed,onlybecausetheyadoptedtheadviceofsomemedicalmen,anddeviatedfromthebeaten
trackintheirmodeoftreatingtheirinfants.Ihaveactuallyheardthisbarbarousaversiontoinnovation
carriedstillfurther,andasensiblewomanstigmatizedasanunnaturalmother,whohasthusbeenwisely
solicitoustopreservethehealthofherchildren,wheninthemidstofhercareshehaslostonebysomeofthe
casualtiesofinfancywhichnoprudencecanwardoff.Heracquaintancehaveobserved,thatthiswasthe
consequenceofnewfanglednotionsthenewfanglednotionsofeaseandcleanliness.Andthosewho,
pretendingtoexperience,thoughtheyhavelongadheredtoprejudicesthathave,accordingtotheopinionof
themostsagaciousphysicians,thinnedthehumanrace,almostrejoicedatthedisasterthatgaveakindof
sanctiontoprescription.

Indeed,ifitwereonlyonthisaccount,thenationaleducationofwomenisoftheutmostconsequencefor
whatanumberofhumansacrificesaremadetothatmoloch,prejudice!Andinhowmanywaysarechildren
destroyedbythelasciviousnessofman?Thewantofnaturalaffectioninmanywomen,whoaredrawnfrom
theirdutybytheadmirationofmen,andtheignoranceofothers,rendertheinfancyofmanamuchmore
perilousstatethanthatofbrutesyetmenareunwillingtoplacewomeninsituationspropertoenablethemto
acquiresufficientunderstandingtoknowhoweventonursetheirbabes.

Soforciblydoesthistruthstrikeme,thatIwouldrestthewholetendencyofmyreasoninguponitfor
whatevertendstoincapacitatethematernalcharacter,takeswomanoutofhersphere.

Butitisvaintoexpectthepresentraceofweakmotherseithertotakethatreasonablecareofachild'sbody,
whichisnecessarytolaythefoundationofagoodconstitution,supposingthatitdonotsufferforthesinsof
itsfathersortomanageitstempersojudiciouslythatthechildwillnothave,asitgrowsup,tothrowoffall
thatitsmother,itsfirstinstructor,directlyorindirectlytaught,andunlessthemindhaveuncommonvigour,
womanishfollieswillsticktothecharacterthroughoutlife.Theweaknessofthemotherwillbevisitedon
thechildren!Andwhilstwomenareeducatedtorelyontheirhusbandsforjudgment,thismusteverbethe
consequence,forthereisnoimprovinganunderstandingbyhalves,norcananybeingactwiselyfrom
imitation,becauseineverycircumstanceoflifethereisakindofindividuality,whichrequiresanexertionof
judgmenttomodifygeneralrules.Thebeingwhocanthinkjustlyinonetrack,willsoonextendits
intellectualempireandshewhohassufficientjudgmenttomanageherchildren,willnotsubmitrightor
wrong,toherhusband,orpatientlytothesociallawswhichmakesanonentityofawife.

Inpublicschoolswomen,toguardagainsttheerrorsofignorance,shouldbetaughttheelementsofanatomy
andmedicine,notonlytoenablethemtotakepropercareoftheirownhealth,buttomakethemrational
nursesoftheirinfants,parents,andhusbandsforthebillsofmortalityareswelledbytheblundersofself
willedoldwomen,whogivenostrumsoftheirown,withoutknowinganythingofthehumanframe.Itis
likewiseproper,onlyinadomesticview,tomakewomen,acquaintedwiththeanatomyofthemind,by
allowingthesexestoassociatetogetherineverypursuitandbyleadingthemtoobservetheprogressofthe
humanunderstandingintheimprovementofthesciencesandartsneverforgettingthescienceofmorality,
northestudyofthepoliticalhistoryofmankind.
Amanhasbeentermedamicrocosmandeveryfamilymightalsobecalledastate.States,itistrue,have
mostlybeengovernedbyartsthatdisgracethecharacterofmanandthewantofajustconstitution,and
equallaws,havesoperplexedthenotionsoftheworldlywise,thattheymorethanquestionthe
reasonablenessofcontendingfortherightsofhumanity.Thusmorality,pollutedinthenationalreservoir,
sendsoffstreamsofvicetocorrupttheconstituentpartsofthebodypoliticbutshouldmorenoble,orrather
morejustprinciplesregulatethelaws,whichoughttobethegovernmentofsociety,andnotthosewho
executethem,dutymightbecometheruleofprivateconduct.

Besides,bytheexerciseoftheirbodiesandminds,womenwouldacquirethatmentalactivitysonecessaryin
thematernalcharacter,unitedwiththefortitudethatdistinguishessteadinessofconductfromtheobstinate
perversenessofweakness.Foritisdangeroustoadvisetheindolenttobesteady,becausetheyinstantly
becomerigorous,andtosavethemselvestrouble,punishwithseverityfaultsthatthepatientfortitudeof
reasonmighthaveprevented.

Butfortitudepresupposesstrengthofmind,andisstrengthofmindtobeacquiredbyindolentacquiescence?
Byaskingadviceinsteadofexertingthejudgment?Byobeyingthroughfear,insteadofpractisingthe
forbearance,whichweallstandinneedofourselves?TheconclusionwhichIwishtodrawisobviousmake
womenrationalcreaturesandfreecitizens,andtheywillquicklybecomegoodwives,andmothersthatis
ifmendonotneglectthedutiesofhusbandsandfathers.

Discussingtheadvantageswhichapublicandprivateeducationcombined,asIhavesketched,might
rationallybeexpectedtoproduce,Ihavedweltmostonsuchasareparticularlyrelativetothefemaleworld,
becauseIthinkthefemaleworldoppressedyetthegangrenewhichthevices,engenderedbyoppression
haveproduced,isnotconfinedtothemorbidpart,butpervadessocietyatlargesothatwhenIwishtosee
mysexbecomemorelikemoralagents,myheartboundswiththeanticipationofthegeneraldiffusionofthat
sublimecontentmentwhichonlymoralitycandiffuse.

CHAPTER13.

SOMEINSTANCESOFTHEFOLLYWHICHTHEIGNORANCEOFWOMENGENERATESWITHCONCLUDING
REFLECTIONSONTHEMORALIMPROVEMENTTHATAREVOLUTIONINFEMALEMANNERSMIGHT
NATURALLYBEEXPECTEDTOPRODUCE.

Therearemanyfollies,insomedegree,peculiartowomen:sinsagainstreason,ofcommission,aswellasof
omissionbutallflowingfromignoranceorprejudice,Ishallonlypointoutsuchasappeartobeinjuriousto
theirmoralcharacter.Andinanimadvertingonthem,Iwishespeciallytoprove,thattheweaknessofmind
andbody,whichmenhaveendeavouredbyvariousmotivestoperpetuate,preventstheirdischargingthe
peculiardutyoftheirsex:forwhenweaknessofbodywillnotpermitthemtosuckletheirchildren,and
weaknessofmindmakesthemspoiltheirtempersiswomaninanaturalstate?

SECTION13.1.

Oneglaringinstanceoftheweaknesswhichproceedsfromignorance,firstclaimsattention,andcallsfor
severereproof.

Inthismetropolisanumberoflurkingleechesinfamouslygainasubsistencebypractisingonthecredulityof
women,pretendingtocastnativities,tousethetechnicalphraseandmanyfemaleswho,proudoftheirrank
andfortune,lookdownonthevulgarwithsovereigncontempt,showbythiscredulity,thatthedistinctionis
arbitrary,andthattheyhavenotsufficientlycultivatedtheirmindstoriseabovevulgarprejudices.Women,
becausetheyhavenotbeenledtoconsidertheknowledgeoftheirdutyastheonethingnecessarytoknow,
or,toliveinthepresentmomentbythedischargeofit,areveryanxioustopeepintofuturity,tolearnwhat
theyhavetoexpecttorenderlifeinteresting,andtobreakthevacuumofignorance.Imustbeallowedto
expostulateseriouslywiththeladies,whofollowtheseidleinventionsforladies,mistressesoffamilies,are
notashamedtodriveintheirowncarriagestothedoorofthecunningman.Andifanyofthemshouldperuse
thiswork,Ientreatthemtoanswertotheirownheartsthefollowingquestions,notforgettingthattheyarein
thepresenceofGod.
DoyoubelievethatthereisbutoneGod,andthatheispowerful,wise,andgood?

Doyoubelievethatallthingswerecreatedbyhim,andthatallbeingsaredependentonhim?

Doyourelyonhiswisdom,soconspicuousinhisworks,andinyourownframe,andareyouconvinced,that
hehasorderedallthingswhichdonotcomeunderthecognizanceofyoursenses,inthesameperfect
harmony,tofulfilhisdesigns?

Doyouacknowledgethatthepoweroflookingintofuturityandseeingthingsthatarenot,asiftheywere,is
anattributeoftheCreator?Andshouldhe,byanimpressiononthemindsofhiscreatures,thinkfittoimpart
tothemsomeeventhidintheshadesoftime,yetunborn,towhomwouldthesecretberevealedby
immediateinspiration?Theopinionofageswillanswerthisquestiontoreverendoldmen,topeople
distinguishedforeminentpiety.

TheoraclesofoldwerethusdeliveredbypriestsdedicatedtotheserviceoftheGod,whowassupposedto
inspirethem.Theglareofworldlypompwhichsurroundedtheseimpostors,andtherespectpaidtothemby
artfulpoliticians,whoknewhowtoavailthemselvesofthisusefulenginetobendthenecksofthestrong
underthedominionofthecunning,spreadasacredmysteriousveilofsanctityovertheirliesand
abominations.Impressedbysuchsolemndevotionalparade,aGreekorRomanladymightbeexcused,ifshe
inquiredoftheoracle,whenshewasanxioustopryintofuturity,orinquireaboutsomedubiousevent:and
herinquiries,howevercontrarytoreason,couldnotbereckonedimpious.But,cantheprofessorsof
Christianitywardoffthatimputation?CanaChristiansuppose,thatthefavouritesofthemostHigh,the
highlyfavouredwouldbeobligedtolurkindisguise,andpractisethemostdishonesttrickstocheatsilly
womenoutofthemoney,whichthepoorcryforinvain?

Saynotthatsuchquestionsareaninsulttocommonsenseforitisyourownconduct,Oyefoolishwomen!
whichthrowsanodiumonyoursex!Andthesereflectionsshouldmakeyoushudderatyourthoughtlessness,
andirrationaldevotion,forIdonotsupposethatallofyoulaidasideyourreligion,suchasitis,whenyou
enteredthosemysteriousdwellings.Yet,asIhavethroughoutsupposedmyselftalkingtoignorantwomen,
forignorantyeareinthemostemphaticalsenseoftheword,itwouldbeabsurdtoreasonwithyouonthe
egregiousfollyofdesiringtoknowwhattheSupremeWisdomhasconcealed.

Probablyyouwouldnotunderstandme,wereItoattempttoshowyouthatitwouldbeabsolutely
inconsistentwiththegrandpurposeoflife,thatofrenderinghumancreatureswiseandvirtuous:andthat,
wereitsanctionedbyGod,itwoulddisturbtheorderestablishedincreationandifitbenotsanctionedby
God,doyouexpecttoheartruth?Caneventsbeforetold,eventswhichhavenotyetassumedabodyto
becomesubjecttomortalinspection,cantheybeforeseenbyaviciousworldling,whopampershisappetites
bypreyingonthefoolishones?

Perhaps,however,youdevoutlybelieveinthedevil,andimagine,toshiftthequestion,thathemayassisthis
votaries?butifreallyrespectingthepowerofsuchabeing,anenemytogoodnessandtoGod,canyougoto
churchafterhavingbeenundersuchanobligationtohim.Fromthesedelusionstothosestillmore
fashionabledeceptions,practisedbythewholetribeofmagnetisers,thetransitionisverynatural.With
respecttothem,itisequallypropertoaskwomenafewquestions.

Doyouknowanythingoftheconstructionofthehumanframe?Ifnot,itisproperthatyoushouldbetold,
whateverychildoughttoknow,thatwhenitsadmirableeconomyhasbeendisturbedbyintemperanceor
indolence,Ispeaknotofviolentdisorders,butofchronicaldiseases,itmustbebroughtintoahealthystate
againbyslowdegrees,andifthefunctionsoflifehavenotbeenmateriallyinjured,regimen,anotherword
fortemperance,air,exercise,andafewmedicinesprescribedbypersonswhohavestudiedthehumanbody,
aretheonlyhumanmeans,yetdiscovered,ofrecoveringthatinestimableblessinghealth,thatwillbear
investigation.

Doyouthenbelieve,thatthesemagnetisers,who,byhocuspocustricks,pretend,toworkamiracle,are
delegatedbyGod,orassistedbythesolverofallthesekindofdifficultiesthedevil.

Dothey,whentheyputtoflight,asitissaid,disordersthathavebaffledthepowersofmedicine,workin
conformitytothelightofreason?Ordotheyeffectthesewonderfulcuresbysupernaturalaid?
Byacommunication,anadeptmayanswer,withtheworldofspirits.Anobleprivilege,itmustbeallowed.
Someoftheancientsmentionfamiliardemons,whoguardedthemfromdanger,bykindlyintimating(we
cannotguessinwhatmanner,)whenanydangerwasnighorpointedoutwhattheyoughttoundertake.Yet
themenwholaidclaimtothisprivilege,outoftheorderofnature,insisted,thatitwastherewardor
consequenceofsuperiortemperanceandpiety.Butthepresentworkersofwondersarenotraisedabovetheir
fellowsbysuperiortemperanceorsanctity.TheydonotcurefortheloveofGod,butmoney.Thesearethe
priestsofquackery,thoughitbetruetheyhavenottheconvenientexpedientofsellingmassesforsoulsin
purgatory,norchurches,wheretheycandisplaycrutches,andmodelsoflimbsmadesoundbyatouchora
word.

Iamnotconversantwiththetechnicalterms,norinitiatedintothearcana,thereforeImayspeakimproperly
butitisclear,thatmenwhowillnotconformtothelawofreason,andearnasubsistenceinanhonestway,
bydegrees,areveryfortunateinbecomingacquaintedwithsuchobligingspirits.Wecannot,indeed,give
themcreditforeithergreatsagacityorgoodness,elsetheywouldhavechosenmorenobleinstruments,when
theywishedtoshowthemselvesthebenevolentfriendsofman.

Itis,however,littleshortofblasphemytopretendtosuchpower.

>FromthewholetenorofthedispensationsofProvidence,itappearsevidenttosoberreason,thatcertain
vicesproducecertaineffects:andcananyonesogrosslyinsultthewisdomofGod,astosuppose,thata
miraclewillbeallowedtodisturbhisgenerallaws,torestoretohealththeintemperateandvicious,merelyto
enablethemtopursuethesamecoursewithimpunity?Bewhole,andsinnomore,saidJesus.Andare
greatermiraclestobeperformedbythosewhodonotfollowhisfootsteps,whohealedthebodytoreachthe
mind?

ThementioningofthenameofChrist,aftersuchvileimpostorsmaydispleasesomeofmyreadersI
respecttheirwarmthbutletthemnotforget,thatthefollowersofthesedelusionsbearhisname,andprofess
tobethedisciplesofhim,whosaid,bytheirworksweshouldknowwhowerethechildrenofGodorthe
servantsofsin.Iallowthatitiseasiertotouchthebodyofasaint,ortobemagnetised,thantorestrainour
appetitesorgovernourpassionsbuthealthofbodyormindcanonlyberecoveredbythesemeans,orwe
maketheSupremeJudgepartialandrevengeful.

Isheaman,thatheshouldchange,orpunishoutofresentment?Hethecommonfather,woundsbutto
heal,saysreason,andourirregularitiesproducingcertainconsequences,weareforciblyshownthenatureof
vicethatthuslearningtoknowgoodfromevil,byexperience,wemayhateoneandlovetheother,in
proportiontothewisdomwhichweattain.Thepoisoncontainstheantidoteandweeitherreformourevil
habits,andceasetosinagainstourownbodies,tousetheforciblelanguageofscripture,orapremature
death,thepunishmentofsin,snapsthethreadoflife.

Hereanawfulstopisputtoourinquiries.But,whyshouldIconcealmysentiments?Consideringthe
attributesofGod,Ibelieve,thatwhateverpunishmentmayfollow,willtend,liketheanguishofdisease,to
showthemalignityofvice,forthepurposeofreformation.Positivepunishmentappearssocontrarytothe
natureofGod,discoverableinallhisworks,andinourownreason,thatIcouldsoonerbelievethattheDeity
paidnoattentiontotheconductofmen,thanthathepunishedwithoutthebenevolentdesignofreforming.

Tosupposeonly,thatanallwiseandpowerfulBeing,asgoodasheisgreat,shouldcreateabeing,
foreseeing,thatafterfiftyorsixtyyearsoffeverishexistence,itwouldbeplungedintoneverendingwoeis
blasphemy.Onwhatwillthewormfeedthatisnevertodie?Onfolly,onignorance,sayyeIshouldblush
indignantlyatdrawingthenaturalconclusion,couldIinsertit,andwishtowithdrawmyselffromthewing
ofmyGod!Onsuchasupposition,Ispeakwithreverence,hewouldbeaconsumingfire.Weshouldwish,
thoughvainly,toflyfromhispresencewhenfearabsorbedlove,anddarknessinvolvedallhiscounsels.

IknowthatmanydevoutpeopleboastofsubmittingtotheWillofGodblindly,astoanarbitrarysceptreor
rod,onthesameprincipleastheIndiansworshipthedevil.Inotherwords,likepeopleinthecommon
concernsoflife,theydohomagetopower,andcringeunderthefootthatcancrushthem.Rationalreligion,
onthecontrary,isasubmissiontothewillofabeingsoperfectlywise,thatallhewillsmustbedirectedby
thepropermotivemustbereasonable.
And,ifthuswerespectGod,canwegivecredittothemysteriousinsinuationswhichinsulthislaws?Canwe
believe,thoughitshouldstareusintheface,thathewouldworkamiracletoauthorizeconfusionby
sanctioninganerror?Yetwemusteitherallowtheseimpiousconclusions,ortreatwithcontemptevery
promisetorestorehealthtoadiseasedbodybysupernaturalmeans,ortoforetell,theincidentsthatcanonly
beforeseenbyGod.

SECTION13.2.

Anotherinstanceofthatfeminineweaknessofcharacter,oftenproducedbyaconfinededucation,isa
romantictwistofthemind,whichhasbeenveryproperlytermedSENTIMENTAL.

Women,subjectedbyignorancetotheirsensations,andonlytaughttolookforhappinessinlove,refineon
sensualfeelings,andadoptmetaphysicalnotionsrespectingthatpassion,whichleadthemshamefullyto
neglectthedutiesoflife,andfrequentlyinthemidstofthesesublimerefinementstheyplungeintoactual
vice.

Thesearethewomenwhoareamusedbythereveriesofthestupidnovelists,who,knowinglittleofhuman
nature,workupstaletales,anddescribemeretriciousscenes,allretailedinasentimentaljargon,which
equallytendtocorruptthetaste,anddrawtheheartasidefromitsdailyduties.Idonotmentionthe
understanding,becauseneverhavingbeenexercised,itsslumberingenergiesrestinactive,likethelurking
particlesoffirewhicharesupposeduniversallytopervadematter.

Females,infact,deniedallpoliticalprivileges,andnotallowed,asmarriedwomen,exceptingincriminal
cases,acivilexistence,havetheirattentionnaturallydrawnfromtheinterestofthewholecommunitytothat
oftheminuteparts,thoughtheprivatedutyofanymemberofsocietymustbeveryimperfectlyperformed,
whennotconnectedwiththegeneralgood.Themightybusinessoffemalelifeistoplease,and,restrained
fromenteringintomoreimportantconcernsbypoliticalandciviloppression,sentimentsbecomeevents,and
reflectiondeepenswhatitshould,andwouldhaveeffaced,iftheunderstandinghadbeenallowedtotakea
widerrange.

But,confinedtotriflingemployments,theynaturallyimbibeopinionswhichtheonlykindofreading
calculatedtointerestaninnocentfrivolousmind,inspires.Unabletograspanythinggreat,isitsurprising
thattheyfindthereadingofhistoryaverydrytask,anddisquisitionsaddressedtotheunderstanding,
intolerablytedious,andalmostunintelligible?Thusaretheynecessarilydependentonthenovelistfor
amusement.Yet,whenIexclaimagainstnovels,Imeanwhencontrastedwiththoseworkswhichexercisethe
understandingandregulatetheimagination.ForanykindofreadingIthinkbetterthanleavingablankstilla
blank,becausethemindmustreceiveadegreeofenlargement,andobtainalittlestrengthbyaslightexertion
ofitsthinkingpowersbesides,eventheproductionsthatareonlyaddressedtotheimagination,raisethe
readeralittleabovethegrossgratificationofappetites,towhichthemindhasnotgivenashadeofdelicacy.

ThisobservationistheresultofexperienceforIhaveknownseveralnotablewomen,andoneinparticular,
whowasaverygoodwomanasgoodassuchanarrowmindwouldallowhertobe,whotookcarethather
daughters(threeinnumber)shouldneverseeanovel.Asshewasawomanoffortuneandfashion,theyhad
variousmasterstoattendthem,andasortofmenialgovernesstowatchtheirfootsteps.Fromtheirmasters
theylearnedhowtables,chairs,etc.werecalledinFrenchandItalianbutasthefewbooksthrownintheir
waywerefarabovetheircapacities,ordevotional,theyneitheracquiredideasnorsentiments,andpassed
theirtime,whennotcompelledtorepeatWORDS,indressing,quarrellingwitheachother,orconversing
withtheirmaidsbystealth,tilltheywerebroughtintocompanyasmarriageable.

Theirmother,awidow,wasbusyinthemeantimeinkeepingupherconnexions,asshetermedanumerous
acquaintancelesthergirlsshouldwantaproperintroductionintothegreatworld.Andtheseyoungladies,
withmindsvulgarineverysenseoftheword,andspoiledtempers,enteredlifepuffedupwithnotionsof
theirownconsequence,andlookingdownwithcontemptonthosewhocouldnotviewiththemindressand
parade.

Withrespecttolove,nature,ortheirnurses,hadtakencaretoteachthemthephysicalmeaningoftheword
and,astheyhadfewtopicsofconversation,andfewerrefinementsofsentiment,theyexpressedtheirgross
wishesnotinverydelicatephrases,whentheyspokefreely,talkingofmatrimony.
Couldthesegirlshavebeeninjuredbytheperusalofnovels?Ialmostforgotashadeinthecharacterofone
ofthemsheaffectedasimplicityborderingonfolly,andwithasimperwouldutterthemostimmodest
remarksandquestions,thefullmeaningofwhichshehadlearnedwhilstsecludedfromtheworld,andafraid
tospeakinhermother'spresence,whogovernedwithahighhandtheywerealleducated,assheprided
herself,inamostexemplarymannerandreadtheirchaptersandpsalmsbeforebreakfast,nevertouchinga
sillynovel.

ThisisonlyoneinstancebutIrecollectmanyotherwomenwho,notledbydegreestoproperstudies,and
notpermittedtochooseforthemselves,haveindeedbeenovergrownchildrenorhaveobtained,bymixing
intheworld,alittleofwhatistermedcommonsensethatis,adistinctmannerofseeingcommon
occurrences,astheystanddetached:butwhatdeservesthenameofintellect,thepowerofgaininggeneralor
abstractideas,orevenintermediateones,wasoutofthequestion.Theirmindswerequiescent,andwhen
theywerenotrousedbysensibleobjectsandemploymentsofthatkind,theywerelowspirited,wouldcry,or
gotosleep.

When,therefore,Iadvisemysexnottoreadsuchflimsyworks,itistoinducethemtoreadsomething
superiorforIcoincideinopinionwithasagaciousman,who,havingadaughterandnieceunderhiscare,
pursuedaverydifferentplanwitheach.

Theniece,whohadconsiderableabilities,had,beforeshewaslefttohisguardianship,beenindulgedin
desultoryreading.Herheendeavouredtolead,anddidlead,tohistoryandmoralessaysbuthisdaughter
whomafondweakmotherhadindulged,andwhoconsequentlywasaversetoeverythinglikeapplication,
heallowedtoreadnovelsandusedtojustifyhisconductbysaying,thatifsheeverattainedarelishfor
readingthem,heshouldhavesomefoundationtoworkuponandthaterroneousopinionswerebetterthan
noneatall.

Infact,thefemalemindhasbeensototallyneglected,thatknowledgewasonlytobeacquiredfromthis
muddysource,tillfromreadingnovelssomewomenofsuperiortalentslearnedtodespisethem.

Thebestmethod,Ibelieve,thatcanbeadoptedtocorrectafondnessfornovelsistoridiculethemnot
indiscriminately,forthenitwouldhavelittleeffectbut,ifajudiciousperson,withsometurnforhumour,
wouldreadseveraltoayounggirl,andpointout,bothbytonesandaptcomparisonswithpatheticincidents
andheroiccharactersinhistory,howfoolishlyandridiculouslytheycaricaturedhumannature,justopinions
mightbesubstitutedinsteadofromanticsentiments.

Inonerespect,however,themajorityofbothsexesresemble,andequallyshowawantoftasteandmodesty.
Ignorantwomen,forcedtobechastetopreservetheirreputation,allowtheirimaginationtorevelinthe
unnaturalandmeretriciousscenessketchedbythenovelwritersoftheday,slightingasinsipidthesober
dignityandmatronlygraceofhistory,*whilstmencarrythesamevitiatedtasteintolife,andflyfor
amusementtothewanton,fromtheunsophisticatedcharmsofvirtue,andthegraverespectabilityofsense.

(*Footnote.Iamnotnowalludingtothatsuperiorityofmindwhichleadstothecreationofidealbeauty,
whenlifesurveyedwithapenetratingeye,appearsatragicomedy,inwhichlittlecanbeseentosatisfythe
heartwithoutthehelpoffancy.)

Besides,thereadingofnovelsmakeswomen,andparticularlyladiesoffashion,veryfondofusingstrong
expressionsandsuperlativesinconversationand,thoughthedissipatedartificiallifewhichtheylead
preventstheircherishinganystronglegitimatepassion,thelanguageofpassioninaffectedtonesslipsfor
everfromtheirglibtongues,andeverytrifleproducesthosephosphoricburstswhichonlymimickinthe
darktheflameofpassion.

SECTION13.3.

Ignoranceandthemistakencunningthatnaturesharpensinweakheads,asaprincipleofselfpreservation,
renderwomenveryfondofdress,andproduceallthevanitywhichsuchafondnessmaynaturallybe
expectedtogenerate,totheexclusionofemulationandmagnanimity.
IagreewithRousseau,thatthephysicalpartoftheartofpleasingconsistsinornaments,andforthatvery
reasonIshouldguardgirlsagainstthecontagiousfondnessfordresssocommontoweakwomen,thatthey
maynotrestinthephysicalpart.Yet,weakarethewomenwhoimaginethattheycanlongpleasewithoutthe
aidofthemindor,inotherwords,withoutthemoralartofpleasing.Butthemoralart,ifitbenota
profanationtousethewordart,whenalludingtothegracewhichisaneffectofvirtue,andnotthemotiveof
action,isnevertobefoundwithignorancethesportivenessofinnocence,sopleasingtorefinedlibertinesof
bothsexes,iswidelydifferentinitsessencefromthissuperiorgracefulness.

Astronginclinationforexternalornamentseverappearsinbarbarousstates,onlythemennotthewomen
adornthemselvesforwherewomenareallowedtobesofaronalevelwithmen,societyhasadvancedat
leastonestepincivilization.

Theattentiontodress,therefore,whichhasbeenthoughtasexualpropensity,Ithinknaturaltomankind.But
Ioughttoexpressmyselfwithmoreprecision.Whenthemindisnotsufficientlyopenedtotakepleasurein
reflection,thebodywillbeadornedwithsedulouscareandambitionwillappearintattooingorpaintingit.

Sofaristhefirstinclinationcarried,thateventhehellishyokeofslaverycannotstiflethesavagedesireof
admirationwhichtheblackheroesinheritfromboththeirparents,forallthehardlyearnedsavingsofaslave
arecommonlyexpendedinalittletawdryfinery.AndIhaveseldomknownagoodmaleorfemaleservant
thatwasnotparticularlyfondofdress.TheirclothesweretheirrichesandIarguefromanalogy,thatthe
fondnessfordress,soextravagantinfemales,arisesfromthesamecausewantofcultivationofmind.
Whenmenmeettheyconverseaboutbusiness,politics,orliteraturebut,saysSwift,"hownaturallydo
womenapplytheirhandstoeachotherslappetsandruffles."Andverynaturalitisfortheyhavenotany
businesstointerestthem,havenotatasteforliterature,andtheyfindpoliticsdry,becausetheyhavenot
acquiredaloveformankindbyturningtheirthoughtstothegrandpursuitsthatexaltthehumanraceand
promotegeneralhappiness.

Besides,variousarethepathstopowerandfame,whichbyaccidentorchoicemenpursue,andthoughthey
jostleagainsteachother,formenofthesameprofessionareseldomfriends,yetthereisamuchgreater
numberoftheirfellowcreatureswithwhomtheyneverclash.Butwomenareverydifferentlysituatedwith
respecttoeachotherfortheyareallrivals.

Beforemarriageitistheirbusinesstopleasemenandafter,withafewexceptions,theyfollowthesame
scent,withalltheperseveringpertinacityofinstinct.Evenvirtuouswomenneverforgettheirsexin
company,fortheyareforevertryingtomakethemselvesAGREEABLE.Afemalebeautyandamalewit,
appeartobeequallyanxioustodrawtheattentionofthecompanytothemselvesandtheanimosityof
contemporarywitsisproverbial.

Isitthensurprising,thatwhenthesoleambitionofwomancentresinbeauty,andinterestgivesvanity
additionalforce,perpetualrivalshipsshouldensue?Theyareallrunningthesamerace,andwouldriseabove
thevirtueofmortalsiftheydidnotvieweachotherwithasuspiciousandevenenviouseye.

Animmoderatefondnessfordress,forpleasureandforsway,arethepassionsofsavagesthepassionsthat
occupythoseuncivilizedbeingswhohavenotyetextendedthedominionofthemind,orevenlearnedto
thinkwiththeenergynecessarytoconcatenatethatabstracttrainofthoughtwhichproducesprinciples.And
thatwomen,fromtheireducationandthepresentstateofcivilizedlife,areinthesamecondition,cannot,I
think,becontroverted.Tolaughatthemthen,orsatirizethefolliesofabeingwhoisnevertobeallowedto
actfreelyfromthelightofherownreason,isasabsurdascruelforthattheywhoaretaughtblindlytoobey
authority,willendeavourcunninglytoeludeit,ismostnaturalandcertain.

Yetletitbeproved,thattheyoughttoobeymanimplicitly,andIshallimmediatelyagreethatitiswoman's
dutytocultivateafondnessfordress,inordertoplease,andapropensitytocunningforherown
preservation.

Thevirtues,however,whicharesupportedbyignorance,musteverbewaveringthehousebuiltonsand
couldnotendureastorm.Itisalmostunnecessarytodrawtheinference.Ifwomenaretobemadevirtuous
byauthority,whichisacontradictioninterms,letthembeimmuredinseragliosandwatchedwithajealous
eye.Fearnotthattheironwillenterintotheirsoulsforthesoulsthatcanbearsuchtreatmentaremadeof
yieldingmaterials,justanimatedenoughtogivelifetothebody.
"Mattertoosoftalastingmarktobear,
Andbestdistinguish'dbyblack,brown,orfair."

Themostcruelwoundswillofcoursesoonheal,andtheymaystillpeopletheworld,anddresstopleaseman
allthepurposeswhichcertaincelebratedwritershaveallowedthattheywerecreatedtofill.

SECTION13.4.

Womenaresupposedtopossessmoresensibility,andevenhumanity,thanmen,andtheirstrongattachments
andinstantaneousemotionsofcompassionaregivenasproofsbuttheclingingaffectionofignorancehas
seldomanythingnobleinit,andmaymostlyberesolvedintoselfishness,aswellastheaffectionofchildren
andbrutes.Ihaveknownmanyweakwomenwhosesensibilitywasentirelyengrossedbytheirhusbands
andasfortheirhumanity,itwasveryfaintindeed,orratheritwasonlyatransientemotionofcompassion,
"Humanitydoesnotconsistinasqueamishear,"saysaneminentorator."Itbelongstothemindaswellas
thenerves."

Butthiskindofexclusiveaffection,thoughitdegradetheindividual,shouldnotbebroughtforwardasa
proofoftheinferiorityofthesex,becauseitisthenaturalconsequenceofconfinedviews:forevenwomen
ofsuperiorsense,havingtheirattentionturnedtolittleemployments,andprivateplans,rarelyriseto
heroism,unlesswhenspurredonbyloveandloveasanheroicpassion,likegenius,appearsbutonceinan
age.Ithereforeagreewiththemoralistwhoasserts,"thatwomenhaveseldomsomuchgenerosityasmen"
andthattheirnarrowaffections,towhichjusticeandhumanityareoftensacrificed,renderthesexapparently
inferior,especiallyastheyarecommonlyinspiredbymenbutIcontend,thattheheartwouldexpandasthe
understandinggainedstrength,ifwomenwerenotdepressedfromtheircradles.

Iknowthatalittlesensibilityandgreatweaknesswillproduceastrongsexualattachment,andthatreason
mustcementfriendshipconsequentlyIallow,thatmorefriendshipistobefoundinthemalethanthefemale
world,andthatmenhaveahighersenseofjustice.Theexclusiveaffectionsofwomenseemindeedto
resembleCato'smostunjustloveforhiscountry.HewishedtocrushCarthage,nottosaveRome,butto
promoteitsvaingloryandingeneral,itistosimilarprinciplesthathumanityissacrificed,forgenuine
dutiessupporteachother.

Besides,howcanwomenbejustorgenerous,whentheyaretheslavesofinjustice.

SECTION13.5.

Astherearingofchildren,thatis,thelayingafoundationofsoundhealthbothofbodyandmindintherising
generation,hasjustlybeeninsistedonasthepeculiardestinationofwoman,theignorancethatincapacitates
themmustbecontrarytotheorderofthings.AndIcontend,thattheirmindscantakeinmuchmore,and
oughttodoso,ortheywillneverbecomesensiblemothers.Manymenattendtothebreedingofhorses,and
overlookthemanagementofthestable,whowould,strangewantofsenseandfeeling!thinkthemselves
degradedbypayinganyattentiontothenurseryyet,howmanychildrenareabsolutelymurderedbythe
ignoranceofwomen!Butwhentheyescape,andareneitherdestroyedbyunnaturalnegligencenorblind
fondness,howfewaremanagedproperlywithrespecttotheinfantmind!Sothattobreakthespirit,allowed
tobecomeviciousathome,achildissenttoschoolandthemethodstakenthere,whichmustbetakento
keepanumberofchildreninorder,scattertheseedsofalmosteveryviceinthesoilthusforciblytornup.

Ihavesometimescomparedthestrugglesofthesepoorchildrenwhooughtnevertohavefeltrestraint,nor
would,hadtheybeenalwaysheldinwithanevenhand,tothedespairingplungesofaspiritedfilly,whichI
haveseenbreakingonastranditsfeetsinkingdeeperanddeeperinthesandeverytimeitendeavouredto
throwitsrider,tillatlastitsullenlysubmitted.

Ihavealwaysfoundhorses,ananimalIamattachedto,verytractablewhentreatedwithhumanityand
steadiness,sothatIdoubtwhethertheviolentmethodstakentobreakthem,donotessentiallyinjurethemI
am,however,certainthatachildshouldneverbethusforciblytamedafterithasinjudiciouslybeenallowed
torunwildforeveryviolationofjusticeandreason,inthetreatmentofchildren,weakenstheirreason.And,
soearlydotheycatchacharacter,thatthebaseofthemoralcharacter,experienceleadsmetoinfer,isfixed
beforetheirseventhyear,theperiodduringwhichwomenareallowedthesolemanagementofchildren.
Afterwardsittoooftenhappensthathalfthebusinessofeducationistocorrect,andveryimperfectlyisit
done,ifdonehastily,thefaults,whichtheywouldneverhaveacquirediftheirmothershadhadmore
understanding.

Onestrikinginstanceofthefollyofwomenmustnotbeomitted.Themannerinwhichtheytreatservantsin
thepresenceofchildren,permittingthemtosuppose,thattheyoughttowaitonthem,andbeartheir
humours.Achildshouldalwaysbemadetoreceiveassistancefromamanorwomanasafavourand,asthe
firstlessonofindependence,theyshouldpracticallybetaught,bytheexampleoftheirmother,nottorequire
thatpersonalattendancewhichitisaninsulttohumanitytorequire,wheninhealthandinsteadofbeingled
toassumeairsofconsequence,asenseoftheirownweaknessshouldfirstmakethemfeelthenatural
equalityofman.Yet,howfrequentlyhaveIindignantlyheardservantsimperiouslycalledtoputchildrento
bed,andsentawayagainandagain,becausemasterormisshungaboutmamma,tostayalittlelonger.Thus
madeslavishlytoattendthelittleidol,allthosemostdisgustinghumourswereexhibitedwhichcharacterize
aspoiledchild.

Inshort,speakingofthemajorityofmothers,theyleavetheirchildrenentirelytothecareofservants:or,
becausetheyaretheirchildren,treatthemasiftheywerelittledemigods,thoughIhavealwaysobserved,
thatthewomenwhothusidolizetheirchildren,seldomshowcommonhumanitytoservants,orfeeltheleast
tendernessforanychildrenbuttheirown.

Itis,however,theseexclusiveaffections,andanindividualmannerofseeingthings,producedbyignorance,
whichkeepwomenforeveratastand,withrespecttoimprovement,andmakemanyofthemdedicatetheir
livestotheirchildrenonlytoweakentheirbodiesandspoiltheirtempers,frustratingalsoanyplanof
educationthatamorerationalfathermayadoptforunlessamotherconcurs,thefatherwhorestrainswill
everbeconsideredasatyrant.

But,fulfillingthedutiesofamother,awomanwithasoundconstitution,maystillkeepherperson
scrupulouslyneat,andassisttomaintainherfamily,ifnecessary,orbyreadingandconversationswithboth
sexes,indiscriminately,improvehermind.Fornaturehassowiselyorderedthings,thatdidwomensuckle
theirchildren,theywouldpreservetheirownhealth,andtherewouldbesuchanintervalbetweenthebirthof
eachchild,thatweshouldseldomseeahousefullofbabes.Anddidtheypursueaplanofconduct,andnot
wastetheirtimeinfollowingthefashionablevagariesofdress,themanagementoftheirhouseholdand
childrenneednotshutthemoutfromliterature,norpreventtheirattachingthemselvestoascience,withthat
steadyeyewhichstrengthensthemind,orpractisingoneofthefineartsthatcultivatethetaste.

But,visitingtodisplayfinery,cardplaying,andballs,nottomentiontheidlebustleofmorningtrifling,draw
womenfromtheirduty,torendertheminsignificant,torenderthempleasing,accordingtothepresent
acceptationoftheword,toeveryman,buttheirhusband.Foraroundofpleasuresinwhichtheaffectionsare
notexercised,cannotbesaidtoimprovetheunderstanding,thoughitbeerroneouslycalledseeingtheworld
yettheheartisrenderedcoldandaversetoduty,bysuchasenselessintercourse,whichbecomesnecessary
fromhabit,evenwhenithasceasedtoamuse.

But,tillmoreequalitybeestablishedinsociety,tillranksareconfoundedandwomenfreed,weshallnotsee
thatdignifieddomestichappiness,thesimplegrandeurofwhichcannotberelishedbyignorantorvitiated
mindsnorwilltheimportanttaskofeducationeverbeproperlybeguntillthepersonofawomanisno
longerpreferredtohermind.Foritwouldbeaswisetoexpectcornfromtares,orfigsfromthistles,asthata
foolishignorantwomanshouldbeagoodmother.

SECTION13.6.

Itisnotnecessarytoinformthesagaciousreader,nowIenteronmyconcludingreflections,thatthe
discussionofthissubjectmerelyconsistsinopeningafewsimpleprinciples,andclearingawaytherubbish
whichobscuredthem.But,asallreadersarenotsagacious,Imustbeallowedtoaddsomeexplanatory
remarkstobringthesubjecthometoreasontothatsluggishreason,whichsupinelytakesopinionsontrust,
andobstinatelysupportsthemtospareitselfthelabourofthinking.

Moralistshaveunanimouslyagreed,thatunlessvirtuebenursedbyliberty,itwillneverattainduestrength
andwhattheysayofmanIextendtomankind,insisting,thatinallcasesmoralsmustbefixedonimmutable
principlesandthatthebeingcannotbetermedrationalorvirtuous,whoobeysanyauthoritybutthatof
reason.

Torenderwomentrulyusefulmembersofsociety,Iargue,thattheyshouldbeled,byhavingtheir
understandingscultivatedonalargescale,toacquirearationalaffectionfortheircountry,foundedon
knowledge,becauseitisobvious,thatwearelittleinterestedaboutwhatwedonotunderstand.Andto
renderthisgeneralknowledgeofdueimportance,Ihaveendeavouredtoshowthatprivatedutiesarenever
properlyfulfilled,unlesstheunderstandingenlargestheheartandthatpublicvirtueisonlyanaggregateof
private.But,thedistinctionsestablishedinsocietyundermineboth,bybeatingoutthesolidgoldofvirtue,
tillitbecomesonlythetinselcoveringofvicefor,whilstwealthrendersamanmorerespectablethanvirtue,
wealthwillbesoughtbeforevirtueand,whilstwomen'spersonsarecaressed,whenachildishsimpershows
anabsenceofmindthemindwillliefallow.Yet,truevoluptuousnessmustproceedfromthemindfor
whatcanequalthesensationsproducedbymutualaffection,supportedbymutualrespect?Whatarethecold
orfeverishcaressesofappetite,butsinembracingdeath,comparedwiththemodestoverflowingsofapure
heartandexaltedimagination?Yes,letmetellthelibertineoffancywhenhedespisesunderstandingin
womanthatthemind,whichhedisregards,giveslifetotheenthusiasticaffectionfromwhichrapture,
shortlivedasitis,alonecanflow!And,that,withoutvirtue,asexualattachmentmustexpire,likeatallow
candleinthesocket,creatingintolerabledisgust.Toprovethis,Ineedonlyobserve,thatmenwhohave
wastedgreatpartoftheirliveswithwomen,andwithwhomtheyhavesoughtforpleasurewitheagerthirst,
entertainthemeanestopinionofthesex.Virtue,truerefinerofjoy!iffoolishmenweretofrighttheefrom
earth,inordertogiveloosetoalltheirappetiteswithoutachecksomesensualwightoftastewouldscale
theheavenstoinvitetheeback,togiveazesttopleasure!

Thatwomenatpresentarebyignorancerenderedfoolishorvicious,is,Ithink,nottobedisputedand,that
themostsalutaryeffectstendingtoimprovemankind,mightbeexpectedfromaREVOLUTIONinfemale
manners,appearsatleast,withafaceofprobability,toriseoutoftheobservation.Forasmarriagehasbeen
termedtheparentofthoseendearingcharities,whichdrawmanfromthebrutalherd,thecorrupting
intercoursethatwealth,idleness,andfollyproducebetweenthesexes,ismoreuniversallyinjuriousto
morality,thanalltheothervicesofmankindcollectivelyconsidered.Toadulterouslustthemostsacred
dutiesaresacrificed,because,beforemarriage,men,byapromiscuousintimacywithwomen,learnedto
considerloveasaselfishgratificationlearnedtoseparateitnotonlyfromesteem,butfromtheaffection
merelybuiltonhabit,whichmixesalittlehumanitywithit.Justiceandfriendshiparealsosetatdefiance,
andthatpurityoftasteisvitiated,whichwouldnaturallyleadamantorelishanartlessdisplayofaffection,
ratherthanaffectedairs.Butthatnoblesimplicityofaffection,whichdarestoappearunadorned,hasfew
attractionsforthelibertine,thoughitbethecharm,which,bycementingthematrimonialtie,securestothe
pledgesofawarmerpassionthenecessaryparentalattentionforchildrenwillneverbeproperlyeducatedtill
friendshipsubsistsbetweenparents.Virtuefliesfromahousedividedagainstitselfandawholelegionof
devilstakeuptheirresidencethere.

Theaffectionofhusbandsandwivescannotbepurewhentheyhavesofewsentimentsincommon,and
whensolittleconfidenceisestablishedathome,asmustbethecasewhentheirpursuitsaresodifferent.That
intimacyfromwhichtendernessshouldflow,willnot,cannotsubsistbetweenthevicious.

Contending,therefore,thatthesexualdistinction,whichmenhavesowarmlyinsistedupon,isarbitrary,I
havedweltonanobservation,thatseveralsensiblemen,withwhomIhaveconversedonthesubject,allowed
tobewellfoundedanditissimplythis,thatthelittlechastitytobefoundamongstmen,andconsequent
disregardofmodesty,tendtodegradebothsexesandfurther,thatthemodestyofwomen,characterizedas
such,willoftenbeonlytheartfulveilofwantonness,insteadofbeingthenaturalreflectionofpurity,till
modestybeuniversallyrespected.

>Fromthetyrannyofman,Ifirmlybelieve,thegreaternumberoffemalefolliesproceedandthecunning,
whichIallow,makesatpresentapartoftheircharacter,Ilikewisehaverepeatedlyendeavouredtoprove,is
producedbyoppression.Werenotdissenters,forinstance,aclassofpeople,withstricttruthcharacterizedas
cunning?AndmayInotlaysomestressonthisfacttoprove,thatwhenanypowerbutreasoncurbsthefree
spiritofman,dissimulationispractised,andthevariousshiftsofartarenaturallycalledforth?Great
attentiontodecorum,whichwascarriedtoadegreeofscrupulosity,andallthatpuerilebustleabouttrifles
andconsequentialsolemnity,whichButler'scaricatureofadissenterbringsbeforetheimagination,shaped
theirpersonsaswellastheirmindsinthemouldofprimlittleness.Ispeakcollectively,forIknowhowmany
ornamentstohumannaturehavebeenenrolledamongstsectariesyet,Iassert,thatthesamenarrow
prejudicefortheirsect,whichwomenhavefortheirfamilies,prevailedinthedissentingpartofthe
community,howeverworthyinotherrespectsandalsothatthesametimidprudence,orheadstrongefforts,
oftendisgracedtheexertionsofboth.Oppressionthusformedmanyofthefeaturesoftheircharacter
perfectlytocoincidewiththatoftheoppressedhalfofmankindforisitnotnotorious,thatdissenterswere
likewomen,fondofdeliberatingtogether,andaskingadviceofeachother,tillbyacomplicationoflittle
contrivances,somelittleendwasbroughtabout?Asimilarattentiontopreservetheirreputationwas
conspicuousinthedissentingandfemaleworld,andwasproducedbyasimilarcause.

Assertingtherightswhichwomenincommonwithmenoughttocontendfor,Ihavenotattemptedto
extenuatetheirfaultsbuttoprovethemtobethenaturalconsequenceoftheireducationandstationin
society.Ifso,itisreasonabletosuppose,thattheywillchangetheircharacter,andcorrecttheirvicesand
follies,whentheyareallowedtobefreeinaphysical,moral,andcivilsense.

Letwomansharetherights,andshewillemulatethevirtuesofmanforshemustgrowmoreperfectwhen
emancipated,orjustifytheauthoritythatchainssuchaweakbeingtoherduty.Ifthelatter,itwillbe
expedienttoopenafreshtradewithRussiaforwhipsapresentwhichafathershouldalwaysmaketohis
soninlawonhisweddingday,thatahusbandmaykeephiswholefamilyinorderbythesamemeansand
withoutanyviolationofjusticereign,wieldingthissceptre,solemasterofhishouse,becauseheistheonly
beinginitwhohasreasonthedivine,indefeasible,earthlysovereigntybreathedintomanbytheMasterof
theuniverse.Allowingthisposition,womenhavenotanyinherentrightstoclaimand,bythesameruletheir
dutiesvanish,forrightsanddutiesareinseparable.

Bejustthen,Oyemenofunderstanding!andmarknotmoreseverelywhatwomendoamiss,thanthe
vicioustricksofthehorseortheassforwhomyeprovideprovender,andallowhertheprivilegesof
ignorance,towhomyedenytherightsofreason,oryewillbeworsethanEgyptiantaskmasters,expecting
virtuewherenaturehasnotgivenunderstanding!

EndofTheProjectGutenbergEtextofAVindicationoftheRightsofWoman