Men have thus, in one station,
at least an opportunity of exerting themselves with dignity, and of
rising by the exertions which really improve a rational creature;
but the whole female sex are, till their character is formed, in the
same condition as the rich: for they are born, I now speak of a
state of civilization, with certain sexual privileges, and whilst they
are gratuitously granted them, few will ever think of works of
supererogation, to obtain the esteem of a small number of superiour
people.
When do we hear of women who, starting out of obscurity, boldly
claim respect on account of their great abilities or daring virtues?
Where are they to be found?- 'To be observed, to be attended to, to be
taken notice of with sympathy, complacency, and approbation, are all
the advantages which they seek.'- True! my male readers will
probably exclaim; but let them, before they draw any conclusion,
recollect that this was not written originally as descriptive of
women, but of the rich. In Dr. Smith's Theory of Moral Sentiments, I
have found a general character of people of rank and fortune, that, in
my opinion, might with the greatest propriety be applied to the female
sex. I refer the sagacious reader to the whole comparison; but must be
allowed to quote a passage to enforce an argument that I mean to
insist on, as the one most conclusive against a sexual character.
For if, excepting warriors, no great men, of any denomination, have
ever appeared amongst the nobility, may it not be fairly inferred that
their local situation swallowed up the man, and produced a character
similar to that of women, who are localized, if I may be allowed the
word, by the rank they are placed in, by courtesy? Women, commonly
called Ladies, are not to be contradicted in company, are not
allowed to exert any manual strength; and from them the negative
virtues only are expected, when any virtues are expected, patience,
docility, good-humour, and flexibility; virtues incompatible with
any vigorous exertion of intellect.
Pages:
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101