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Business Quote by Charles Dickens

“She has a fine genius for poetry, combined with real business earnestness, and "goes in"--to use an expression of Alfred's--for Woman's mission, Woman's rights, Woman's wrongs, and everything that is woman's with a capital W, or is not and ought to be, or is and ought not to be. "Most…” quote by Charles Dickens
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““She has a fine genius for poetry, combined with real business earnestness, and "goes in"--to use an expression of Alfred's--for Woman's mission, Woman's rights, Woman's wrongs, and everything that is woman's with a capital W, or is not and ought to be, or is and ought not to be. "Most praiseworthy, my dear, and Heaven prosper you!" I whispered to her on the first night of my taking leave of her at the Picture-Room door, "but don't overdo it. And in respect of the great necessity there is, my darling, for more employments being within the reach of Woman than our civilisation has as yet assigned to her, don't fly at the unfortunate men, even those men who are at first sight in your way, as if they were the natural oppressors of your sex; for, trust me, Belinda, they do sometimes spend their wages among wives and daughters, sisters, mothers, aunts, and grandmothers; and the play is, really, not ALL Wolf and Red Riding-Hood, but has other parts in it." However, I digress.””

Charles Dickens

About This Quote

Source Novel: Dombey and Son, 1846

A woman’s intellect and ambition should be balanced with realistic expectations and respect for existing social structures, avoiding antagonism toward men while pursuing gender equality.

In simple terms: Balance ambition with practicality and respect.

Key Takeaway

Pursue goals wisely, without needless conflict.

Themes

gender equality ambition social dynamics pragmatism

Mood

reflective determined

Type

advice literary

When to use this quote

  • career advancement
  • activism
  • education
  • networking

Key Concepts

feminism social reform literary criticism

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can women advance without alienating allies?
  • What practical steps can balance ambition and cooperation?
A Different Perspective

May underestimate the need for systemic change beyond individual effort.

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