The First Duty of Women. a Series of Articles Repr. from the Victoria Magazine, 1865 to 1870 - Softcover

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1870 edition. Excerpt: ... a whole, take no trouble to acquire it. Is is taking for granted by them that this, like everything else, ought to be provided for them; or that, at least, the acquisition should be made as easy to them as possible, instead of the labour and difficulty being left for themselves to conquer. This curious effect of everlasting receiving should at least make them cautious how they remain in the position of constant recipients--a position that teaches people to feel themselves wronged if there is any L good thing that might have been given to them which they have not got. Instead of complaining of those who teach them because they have neglected to teach them what was essential, or because they habitually put limits to feminine acquirements, their best way would be to learn for themselves. These limits, this neglect, are far more common among women than among men. If it be pleaded that women know no better, let the same plea serve for those who have given them so much. And they will find that, though custom deprives them of education, though the opinion of men, much more loudly echoed by women, puts serious impediments in the way of getting it, it is yet true that if the good-will of men only were required they might safely calculate upon it. Though every man puts a limit to what his womankind may learn, his limit is, generally, beyond theirs. Except, possibly, a few very degraded ones, men earnestly wish for women to be wise, instructed, and happy. If a vote or deed of theirs would make them so, most certainly it would be done; done even by those who would find no companionship among such women when they got them. But it needs more than the will, ay, and more than the wisdom if they had it--it needs the power. A man's ability is rarely...

Mary Taylor is a classically trained chef who studied at L'Ecole Des Trois Gourmandes and Le Cordon Bleu in Paris. She is the author of three cookbooks, including "New Vegetarian Classics", and has practiced yoga and meditation for 25 years.