Very likely some Mrs. Grundy will observe, "I don't…
““Very likely some Mrs. Grundy will observe, "I don't believe it, boys will be boys, young men must sow their wild oats, and women must not expect miracles." I dare say you don't, Mrs. Grundy, but it's true nevertheless. Women work a good many miracles, and I have a persuasion that they may perform even that of raising the standard of manhood by refusing to echo such sayings. Let the boys be boys, the longer the better, and let the young men sow their wild oats if they must. But mothers, sisters, and friends may help to make the crop a small one, and keep many tares from spoiling the harvest, by believing, and showing that they believe, in the possibility of loyalty to the virtues which make men manliest in good women's eyes. If it is a feminine delusion, leave us to enjoy it while we may, for without it half the beauty and the romance of life is lost, and sorrowful forebodings would embitter all our hopes of the brave, tenderhearted little lads, who still love their mothers better than themselves and are not ashamed to own it. Laurie””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Women can influence society by nurturing virtues and supporting men, challenging traditional gender expectations.
In simple terms: Women shape society through virtue.
Key Takeaway
Support and nurture to uplift others.
Themes
gender roles
virtue
influence
Mood
hopeful
determined
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- family dynamics
- community leadership
- education
- activism
Key Concepts
social expectations
empowerment
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you encourage virtue in your community?
- What barriers exist for women’s influence?
A Different Perspective
Changing norms can meet resistance.