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In "Thoughts on the Education of Daughters," Mary Wollstonecraft presents a compelling critique of the contemporary education system for women, advocating for a rational and philosophical foundation in their learning. Written in 1787, this seminal work employs a clear, impassioned prose style that reflects Enlightenment ideals while challenging the subjugation of women through inadequate educational practices. Wollstonecraft posits that a well-rounded education is crucial not just for women's personal development but also for their ability to contribute meaningfully to society. Her arguments anticipate later feminist thought, intertwining notions of ethics, self-discipline, and the moral role of women in the family and society at large. Wollstonecraft'Äôs dedication to women'Äôs rights and education was informed by her own experiences as a governess and her observations of the societal limitations imposed on women. As a pioneering figure in feminist philosophy, her works often reflect a deep personal conviction about the benefits of education and rationality. Her life experiences, including her struggles against poverty and the constraints imposed by her gender, shaped her passionate appeal for change. I highly recommend "Thoughts on the Education of Daughters" to anyone interested in early feminist literature or the evolution of educational theory. This text not only sheds light on the historical context of women's education but also challenges readers to reconsider the legacies of inequality that persist today, making it a thought-provoking and essential read.
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PREFACE.
IN the following pages I have endeavoured to point out some important things with respect to female education. It is true, many treatises have been already written; yet it occurred to me, that much still remained to be said. I shall not swell these sheets by writing apologies for my attempt. I am afraid, indeed, the reflections will, by some, be thought too grave; but I could not make them less so without writing affectedly; yet, though they may be insipid to the gay, others may not think them so; and if they should prove useful to one fellow-creature, and beguile any hours, which sorrow has made heavy, I shall think I have not been employed in vain.
ON THE
OF
AS I conceive it to be the duty of every rational creature to attend to its offspring, I am sorry to observe, that reason and duty together have not so powerful an influence over human conduct, as instinct has in the brute creation. Indolence, and a thoughtless disregard of every thing, except the present indulgence, make many mothers, who may have momentary starts of tenderness, neglect their children. They follow a pleasing impulse, and never reflect that reason should cultivate and govern those instincts which are implanted in us to render the path of duty pleasant—for if they are not governed they will run wild; and strengthen the passions which are ever endeavouring to obtain dominion—I mean vanity and self-love.
The first thing to be attended to, is laying the foundation of a good constitution. The mother (if there are not very weighty reasons to prevent her) ought to suckle her children. Her milk is their proper nutriment, and for some time is quite sufficient. Were a regular mode of suckling adopted, it would be far from being a laborious task. Children, who are left to the care of ignorant nurses, have their stomachs overloaded with improper food, which turns acid, and renders them very uncomfortable. We should be particularly careful to guard them in their infant state from bodily pain; as their minds can then afford them no amusement to alleviate it. The first years of a child's life are frequently made miserable through negligence or ignorance. Their complaints are mostly in their stomach or bowels; and these complaints generally arise from the quality and quantity of their food.
The suckling of a child also excites the warmest glow of tenderness—Its dependant, helpless state produces an affection, which may properly be termed maternal. I have even felt it, when I have seen a mother perform that office; and am of opinion, that maternal tenderness arises quite as much from habit as instinct. It is possible, I am convinced, to acquire the affection of a parent for an adopted child; it is necessary, therefore, for a mother to perform the office of one, in order to produce in herself a rational affection for her offspring.