If from immemorable time, the Men had been so little…
““If from immemorable time, the Men had been so little envious, and so very impartial, as to do justice to our talents, by admitting us to our right of sharing with them in public action; they wou'd have been as accustomed to see us filling public offices, as we are to see them disgrace them; (...) A Schurman, with a thesis in her hand, displaying nature in it's most innocent useful lights, wou'd have been as familiar a sight, as a Physician in his chariot (...): And an Amazon, with a helmet on her head, animating her embattled troops, wou'd have been no more a matter of surprize than a milliner behind a counter with a thimble on her finger (...). Not reason then, but error and ignorance cased in custom, makes these superficial creatures think it an unnatural sight.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Historical bias has barred women from public roles, but rationality shows such exclusion is a cultural mistake, not a natural one.
In simple terms: Custom, not reason, limits women's participation.
Key Takeaway
Gender bias is a learned error.
Themes
gender equality
social norms
historical prejudice
Mood
defiant
hopeful
Type
social commentary
historical critique
When to use this quote
- workplace hiring
- political representation
Key Concepts
cultural conditioning
role models
Practical Applications
- diversity training
- policy reform
Questions to Reflect On
- What customs reinforce gender gaps?
- How can institutions rewrite these customs?
A Different Perspective
Some argue biological differences justify segregation, but evidence shows performance overlaps.