Yet, because I am a woman, I would not lead my readers to suppose that I mean violently to agitate the contested question respecting the equality or inferiority of the sex; but as the subject lies in my way, and I cannot pass it over without subjecting the main tendency of my reasoning to misconstruction, I shall stop a moment to deliver, in a few words, my opinion.
In the government of the physical world it is observable that the female in point of strength is, in general, inferior to the male. This is the law of nature; and it does not appear to be suspended or abrogated in favour of woman. A degree of physical superiority cannot, therefore, be denied- and it is a noble prerogative! But not content with this natural pre-eminence, men endeavour to sink us still lower, merely to render us alluring objects for a moment; and women, intoxicated by the adoration which men, under the influence of their senses, pay them, do not seek to obtain a durable interest in their hearts, or to become the friends of the fellow creatures who find amusement in their society.
As a class of mankind they have the strongest claim to pity; the education of the rich tends to render them vain and
helpless, and the unfolding mind is not strengthened by the practice of those duties which dignify the human character.
They only live to amuse themselves, and by the same law which in nature invariably produces certain effects, they soon only afford barren amusement
1792
VINDICATION OF THE RIGHTS OF WOMAN
BY
MARY WOLLSTONECRAFT DEDICATION TO M. TALLEYRAND-PERIGORD
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I do some much enjoy finding lost treasure! It is so reassuring to see real women before us saw the same 'issues' we are seeing & still facing some of these even today.
So. please be encouraged by letting your heart & mind become strong. Letting the duality required to find true balance take up habitation and LIVE. Let this wisdom find it's way into your inner being, were true strength demands to resides. There is only one Room in this entire Earth I wish to reside within. That would be the Room of Improvement. Elizabeth |