Besides, by the exercise of their bodies and minds women would
acquire that mental activity so necessary in the maternal character,
united with the fortitude that distinguishes steadiness of conduct
from the obstinate perverseness of weakness. For it is dangerous to
advise the indolent to be steady, because they instantly become
rigorous, and to save themselves trouble, punish with severity
faults that the patient fortitude of reason might have prevented.
But fortitude presupposes strength of mind; and is strength of
mind to be acquired by indolent acquiescence? by asking advice instead
of exerting the judgment? by obeying through fear, instead of
practising the forbearance, which we all stand in need of
ourselves?- The conclusion which I wish to draw, is obvious; make
women rational creatures, and free citizens, and they will quickly
become good wives, and mothers; that is- if men do not neglect the
duties of husbands and fathers.
Discussing the advantages which a public and private education
combined, as I have sketched, might rationally be expected to produce,
I have dwelt most on such as are particularly relative to the female
world, because I think the female world oppressed; yet the gangrene,
which the vices engendered by oppression have produced, is not
confined to the morbid part, but pervades society at large: so that
when I wish to see my sex become more like moral agents, my heart
bounds with the anticipation of the general diffusion of that
sublime contentment which only morality can diffuse.
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