CONTENTS:
  
DEDICATION   

ADVERTISEMENT   

INTRODUCTION   

CHAPTER I. THE RIGHTS AND INVOLVED DUTIES OF MANKIND CONSIDERED 

CHAPTER II. THE PREVAILING OPINION OF A SEXUAL CHARACTER DISCUSSED 

CHAPTER III. THE SAME SUBJECT CONTINUED 

CHAPTER IV. OBSERVATIONS ON THE STATE OF DEGRADATION TO WHICH WOMAN IS 
REDUCED BY VARIOUS CAUSES 

CHAPTER V. ANIMADVERSIONS ON SOME OF THE WRITERS WHO HAVE RENDERED WOMEN 
OBJECTS OF PITY, BORDERING ON CONTEMPT 

CHAPTER VI. THE EFFECT WHICH AN EARLY ASSOCIATION OF IDEAS HAS UPON THE 
CHARACTER 

CHAPTER VII. MODESTY. -- COMPREHENSIVELY CONSIDERED, AND NOT AS A SEXUAL 
VIRTUE 

CHAPTER VIII. MORALITY UNDERMINED BY SEXUAL NOTIONS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF A 
GOOD REPUTATION 

CHAPTER IX. OF THE PERNICIOUS EFFECTS WHICH ARISE FROM THE UNNATURAL 
DISTINCTIONS ESTABLISHED IN SOCIETY 

CHAPTER X. PARENTAL AFFECTION 

CHAPTER XI. DUTY TO PARENTS 

CHAPTER XII. ON NATIONAL EDUCATION 

CHAPTER XIII. SOME INSTANCES OF THE FOLLY WHICH THE IGNORANCE OF WOMEN 
GENERATES; WITH CONCLUDING REFLECTIONS ON THE MORAL IMPROVEMENT THAT A 
REVOLUTION IN FEMALE MANNERS MAY NATURALLY BE EXPECTED TO PRODUCE 



DEDICATION

To
M. Talleyrand-Perigord,
Late Bishop of Autun.

SIR,

HAVING read with great pleasure a pamphlet, which you have lately 
published, on National Education, I dedicate this volume to you -- the 
first dedication that I have ever written, to induce you to read it with 
attention; and, because I think that you will understand me, which I do 
not suppose many pert witlings will, who may ridicule the arguments they 
are unable to answer. But, Sir, I carry my respect for your understanding 
still farther; so far, that I am confident you will not throw my work 
aside, and hastily conclude that I am in the wrong, because you did not 
view the subject in the same light yourself. And, pardon my frankness, but 
I must observe, that you treated it in too cursory a manner, contented to 
consider it as it had been considered formerly, when the rights of man, 
not to advert to woman, were trampled on as chimerical -- I call upon you, 
therefore, now to weigh what I have advanced respecting the rights of 
woman, and national education -- and I call with the firm tone of 
humanity. For my arguments, Sir, are dictated by a disinterested spirit -- 
I plead for my sex -- not for myself. Independence I have long considered 
as the grand blessing of life, the basis of every virtue -- and 
independence I will ever secure by contracting my wants, though I were to 
live on a barren heath.

It is then an affection for the whole human race that makes my pen dart 
rapidly along to support what I believe to be the cause of virtue: and the 
same motive leads me earnestly to wish to see woman placed in a station in 
which she would advance, instead of retarding, the progress of those 
glorious principles that give a substance to morality. My opinion, indeed, 
respecting the rights and duties of woman, seems to flow so naturally from 
these simple principles, that I think it scarcely possible, but that some 
of the enlarged minds who formed your admirable constitution, will 
coincide with me.

In France there is undoubtedly a more general diffusion of knowledge than 
in any part of the European world, and I attribute it, in a great measure, 
to the social intercourse which has long subsisted between the sexes. It 
is true, I utter my sentiments with freedom, that in France the very 
essence of sensuality has been extracted to regale the voluptuary, and a 
kind of sentimental lust has prevailed, which, together with the system of 
duplicity that the whole tenor of their political and civil government 
taught, have given a sinister sort of sagacity to the French character, 
properly termed finesse, and a polish of manners that injures the 
substance, by hunting sincerity out of society. -- And, modesty, the 
fairest garb of virtue! has been more grossly insulted in France than even 
in England, till their women have treated as prudish that attention to 
decency, which brutes instinctively observe.

Manners and morals are so nearly allied that they have often been 
confounded; but, though the former should only be the natural reflection 
of the latter, yet, when various causes have produced factitious and 
corrupt manners, which are very early caught, morality becomes an empty 
name. The personal reserve, and sacred respect for cleanliness and 
delicacy in domestic life, which French women almost despise, are the 
graceful pillars of modesty; but, far from despising them, if the pure 
flame of patriotism have reached their bosoms, they should labour to 
improve the morals of their fellow-citizens, by teaching men, not only to 
respect modesty in women, but to acquire it themselves, as the only way to 
merit their esteem.

Contending for the rights of woman, my main argument is built on this 
simple principle, that if she be not prepared by education to become the 
companion of man, she will stop the progress of knowledge, for truth must 
be common to all, or it will be inefficacious with respect to its 
influence on general practice. And how can woman be expected to co-operate 
unless she knows why she ought to be virtuous? unless freedom strengthens 
her reason till she comprehend her duty, and see in what manner it is 
connected with her real good? If children are to be educated to understand 
the true principle of patriotism, their mother must be a patriot; and the 
love of mankind, from which an orderly train of virtues spring, can only 
be produced by considering the moral and civil interest of mankind; but 
the education and situation of woman, at present, shuts her out from such 
investigations.

In this work I have produced many arguments, which to me were conclusive, 
to prove that the prevailing notion respecting a sexual character was 
subversive of morality, and I have contended, that to render the human 
body and mind more perfect, chastity must more universally prevail, and 
that chastity will never be respected in the male world till the person of 
a woman is not, as it were, idolized, when little virtue or sense 
embellish it with the grand traces of mental beauty, or the interesting 
simplicity of affection.

Consider, Sir, dispassionately, these observations -- for a glimpse of 
this truth seemed to open before you when you observed, 'that to see one 
half of the human race excluded by the other from all participation of 
government, was a political ph?nomenon that, according to abstract 
principles, it was impossible to explain.' If so, on what does your 
constitution rest? If the abstract rights of man will bear discussion and 
explanation, those of woman, by a parity of reasoning, will not shrink 
from the same test: though a different opinion prevails in this country, 
built on the very arguments which you use to justify the oppression of 
woman -- prescription.

Consider, I address you as a legislator, whether, when men contend for 
their freedom, and to be allowed to judge for themselves respecting their 
own happiness, it be not inconsistent and unjust to subjugate women, even 
though you firmly believe that you are acting in the manner best 
calculated to promote their happiness? Who made man the exclusive judge, 
if woman partake with him of the gift of reason?

In this style, argue tyrants of every denomination, from the weak king to 
the weak father of a family; they are all eager to crush reason; yet 
always assert that they usurp its throne only to be useful. Do you not act 
a similar part, when you force all women, by denying them civil and 
political rights, to remain immured in their families groping in the dark? 
for surely, Sir, you will not assert, that a duty can be binding which is 
not founded on reason? If indeed this be their destination, arguments may 
be drawn from reason: and thus augustly supported, the more understanding 
women acquire, the more they will be attached to their duty -- 
comprehending it -- for unless they comprehend it, unless their morals be 
fixed on the same immutable principle as those of man, no authority can 
make them discharge it in a virtuous manner. They may be convenient 
slaves, but slavery will have its constant effect, degrading the master 
and the abject dependent.

But, if women are to be excluded, without having a voice, from a 
participation of the natural rights of mankind, prove first, to ward off 
the charge of injustice and inconsistency, that they want reason, -- else 
this flaw in your NEW CONSTITUTION, the first constitution founded on 
reason, will ever shew that man must, in some shape, act like a tyrant, 
and tyranny, in whatever part of society it rears its brazen front, will 
ever undermine morality.

I have repeatedly asserted, and produced what appeared to me irrefragable 
arguments drawn from matters of fact, to prove my assertion, that women 
cannot, by force, be confined to domestic concerns; for they will, however 
ignorant, intermeddle with more weighty affairs, neglecting private duties 
only to disturb, by cunning tricks, the orderly plans of reason which rise 
above their comprehension.

Besides, whilst they are only made to acquire personal accomplishments, 
men will seek for pleasure in variety, and faithless husbands will make 
faithless wives; such ignorant beings, indeed, will be very excusable 
when, not taught to respect public good, nor allowed any civil rights, 
they attempt to do themselves justice by retaliation.

The box of mischief thus opened in society, what is to preserve private 
virtue, the only security of public freedom and universal happiness?

Let there be then no coercion established in society, and the common law 
of gravity prevailing, the sexes will fall into their proper places. And, 
now that more equitable laws are forming your citizens, marriage may 
become more sacred: your young men may choose wives from motives of 
affection, and your maidens allow love to root out vanity.

The father of a family will not then weaken his constitution and debase 
his sentiments, by visiting the harlot, nor forget, in obeying the call of 
appetite, the purpose for which it was implanted. And, the mother will not 
neglect her children to practise the arts of coquetry, when sense and 
modesty secure her the friendship of her husband.

But, till men become attentive to the duty of a father, it is vain to 
expect women to spend that time in their nursery which they, 'wise in 
their generation,' choose to spend at their glass; for this exertion of 
cunning is only an instinct of nature to enable them to obtain indirectly 
a little of that power of which they are unjustly denied a share: for, if 
women are not permitted to enjoy legitimate rights, they will render both 
men and themselves vicious, to obtain illicit privileges.

I wish, Sir, to set some investigations of this kind afloat in France; and 
should they lead to a confirmation of my principles, when your 
constitution is revised the Rights of Woman may be respected, if it be 
fully proved that reason calls for this respect, and loudly demands 
JUSTICE for one half of the human race.

I am, SIR,
Yours respectfully,
M. W.



ADVERTISEMENT

WHEN I began to write this work, I divided it into three parts, supposing 
that one volume would contain a full discussion of the arguments which 
seemed to me to rise naturally from a few simple principles; but fresh 
illustrations occurring as I advanced, I now present only the first part 
to the public.

Many subjects, however, which I have cursorily alluded to, call for 
particular investigation, especially the laws relative to women, and the 
consideration of their peculiar duties. These will furnish ample matter 
for a second volume, which in due time will be published, to elucidate 
some of the sentiments, and complete many of the sketches begun in the 
first.



INTRODUCTION

AFTER considering the historic page, and viewing the living world with 
anxious solicitude, the most melancholy emotions of sorrowful indignation 
have depressed my spirits, and I have sighed when obliged to confess, that 
either nature has made a great difference between man and man, or that the 
civilization which has hitherto taken place in the world has been very 
partial. I have turned over various books written on the subject of 
education, and patiently observed the conduct of parents and the 
management of schools; but what has been the result? -- a profound 
conviction that the neglected education of my fellow-creatures is the 
grand source of the misery I deplore; and that women, in particular, are 
rendered weak and wretched by a variety of concurring causes, originating 
from one hasty conclusion. The conduct and manners of women, in fact, 
evidently prove that their minds are not in a healthy state; for, like the 
flowers which are planted in too rich a soil, strength and usefulness are 
sacrificed to beauty; and the flaunting leaves, after having pleased a 
fastidious eye, fade, disregarded on the stalk, long before the season 
when they ought to have arrived at maturity. -- One cause of this barren 
blooming I attribute to a false system of education, gathered from the 
books written on this subject by men who, considering females rather as 
women than human creatures, have been more anxious to make them alluring 
mistresses than wives; and the understanding of the sex has been so 
bubbled by this specious homage, that the civilized women of the present 
century, with a few exceptions, are only anxious to inspire love, when 
they ought to cherish a nobler ambition, and by their abilities and 
virtues exact respect.

In a treatise, therefore, on female rights and manners, the works which 
have been particularly written for their improvement must not be 
overlooked; especially when it is asserted, in direct terms, that the 
minds of women are enfeebled by false refinement; that the books of 
instruction, written by men of genius, have had the same tendency as more 
frivolous productions; and that, in the true style of Mahometanism, they 
are only considered as females, and not as a part of the human species, 
when improvable reason is allowed to be the dignified distinction which 
raises men above the brute creation, and puts a natural sceptre in a 
feeble hand.

Yet, because I am a woman, I would not lead my readers to suppose that I 
mean violently to agitate the contested question respecting the equality 
or inferiority of the sex; but as the subject lies in my way, and I cannot 
pass it over without subjecting the main tendency of my reasoning to 
misconstruction, I shall stop a moment to deliver, in a few words, my 
opinion. -- In the government of the physical world it is observable that 
the female, in general, inferior to the male. The male pursues, the female 
yields -- this is the law of nature; and it does not appear to be 
suspended or abrogated in favour of woman. This physical superiority 
cannot be denied -- and it is a noble prerogative! But not content with 
this natural pre-eminence, men endeavour to sink us still lower, merely to 
render us alluring objects for a moment; and women, intoxicated by the 
adoration which men, under the influence of their senses, pay them, do not 
seek to obtain a durable interest in their hearts, or to become the 
friends of the fellow creatures who find amusement in their society.

I am aware of an obvious inference: -- from every quarter have I heard 
exclamations against masculine women; but where are they to be found? If 
by this appellation men mean to inveigh against their ardour in hunting, 
shooting, and gaming, I shall most cordially join in the cry; but if it be 
against the imitation of manly virtues, or, more properly speaking, the 
attainment of those talents and virtues, the exercise of which ennobles 
the human character, and which raises females in the scale of animal 
being, when they are comprehensively termed mankind; -- all those who view 
them with a philosophical eye must, I should think, wish with me, that 
they may every day grow more and more masculine.

This discussion naturally divides the subject. I shall first consider 
women in the grand light of human creatures, who, in common with men, are 
placed on this earth to unfold their faculties; and afterwards I shall 
more particularly point out their peculiar designation.

I wish also to steer clear of an error which many respectable writers have 
fallen into; for the instruction which has hither been addressed to women, 
has rather been applicable to ladies, if the little indirect advice, that 
is scattered through Sanford and Merton be excepted; but, addressing my 
sex in a firmer tone, I pay particular attention to those in the middle 
class, because they appear to be in the most natural state. Perhaps the 
seeds of false refinement, immorality, and vanity, have ever been shed by 
the great. Weak, artificial beings, raised above the common wants and 
affections of their race, in a premature unnatural manner, undermine the 
very foundation of virtue, and spread corruption through the whole mass of 
society! As a class of mankind they have the strongest claim to pity; the 
education of the rich tends to render them vain and helpless, and the 
unfolding mind is not strengthened by the practice of those duties which 
dignify the human character. -- They only live to amuse themselves, and by 
the same law which in nature invariably produces certain effects, they 
soon only afford barren amusement.

But as I purpose taking a separate view of the different ranks of society, 
and of the moral character of women, in each, this hint is, for the 
present, sufficient; and I have only alluded to the subject, because it 
appears to me to be the very essence of an introduction to give a cursory 
account of the contents of the work it introduces.

My own sex, I hope, will excuse me, if I treat them like rational 
creatures, instead of flattering their fascinating graces, and viewing 
them as if they were in a state of perpetual childhood, unable to stand 
alone. I earnestly wish to point out in what true dignity and human 
happiness consists -- I wish to persuade women to endeavour to acquire 
strength, both of mind and body, and to convince them that the soft 
phrases, susceptibility of heart, delicacy of sentiment, and refinement of 
taste, are almost synonimous with epithets of weakness, and that those 
beings who are only the objects of pity and that kind of love, which has 
been termed its sister, will soon become objects of contempt.

Dismissing then those pretty feminine phrases, which the men 
condescendingly use to soften our slavish dependence, and despising that 
weak elegancy of mind, exquisite sensibility, and sweet docility of 
manners, supposed to be the sexual characteristics of the weaker vessel, I 
wish to show that elegance is inferior to virtue, that the first object of 
laudable ambition is to obtain a character as a human being, regardless of 
the distinction of sex; and that secondary views should be brought to this 
simple touchstone.

This is a rough sketch of my plan; and should I express my conviction with 
the energetic emotions that I feel whenever I think of the subject, the 
dictates of experience and reflection will be felt by some of my readers. 
Animated by this important object, I shall disdain to cull my phrases or 
polish my style; -- I aim at being useful, and sincerity will render me 
unaffected; for, wishing rather to persuade by the force of my arguments, 
than dazzle by the elegance of my language, I shall not waste my time in 
rounding periods, nor in fabricating the turgid bombast of artificial 
feelings, which, coming from the head, never reach the heart. -- I shall 
be employed about things, not words! -- and, anxious to render my sex more 
respectable members of society, I shall try to avoid that flowery diction 
which has slided from essays into novels, and from novels into familiar 
letters and conversation.

These pretty nothings -- these caricatures of the real beauty of 
sensibility, dropping glibly from the tongue, vitiate the taste, and 
create a kind of sickly delicacy that turns away from simple unadorned 
truth; and a deluge of false sentiments and overstretched feelings, 
stifling the natural emotions of the heart, render the domestic pleasures 
insipid, that ought to sweeten the exercise of those severe duties, which 
educate a rational and immortal being for a nobler field of action.

The education of women has, of late, been more attended to than formerly; 
yet they are still reckoned a frivolous sex, and ridiculed or pitied by 
the writers who endeavor by satire or instruction to improve them. It is 
acknowledged that they spend many of the first years of their lives in 
acquiring a smattering of accomplishments: meanwhile strength of body and 
mind are sacrificed to libertine notions of beauty, to the desire of 
establishing themselves, -- the only way women can rise in the world, -- 
by marriage. And this desire making mere animals of them, when they marry 
they act as such children may be expected to act: -- they dress; they 
paint, and nickname God's creatures. -- Surely these weak beings are only 
fit for a seraglio! -- Can they govern a family, or take care of the poor 
babes whom they bring into the world?

If then it can be fairly deduced from the present conduct of the sex, from 
the prevalent fondness for pleasure which takes place of ambition and 
those nobler passions that open and enlarge the soul; that the instruction 
which women have received has only tended, with the constitution of civil 
society, to render them insignificant objects of desire -- mere 
propagators of fools! -- if it can be proved that in aiming to accomplish 
them, without cultivating their understandings, they are taken out of 
their sphere of duties, and made ridiculous and useless when the short-
lived bloom of beauty is over,(1) I presume that rational men will excuse 
me for endeavouring to persuade them to become more masculine and 
respectable.

Indeed the word masculine is only a bugbear: there is little reason to 
fear that women will acquire too much courage or fortitude; for their 
apparent inferiority with respect to bodily strength, must render them, in 
some degree, dependent on men in the various relations of life; but why 
should it be increased by prejudices that give a sex to virtue, and 
confound simple truths with sensual reveries?

Women are, in fact, so much degraded by mistaken notions of female 
excellence, that I do not mean to add a paradox when I assert, that this 
artificial weakness produces a propensity to tyrannize, and gives birth to 
cunning, the natural opponent of strength, which leads them to play off 
those contemptible infantile airs that undermine esteem even whilst they 
excite desire. Do not foster these prejudices, and they will naturally 
fall into their subordinate, yet respectable station, in life.

It seems scarcely necessary to say, that I now speak of the sex in 
general. Many individuals have more sense than their male relatives; and, 
as nothing preponderates where there is a constant struggle for an 
equilibrium, without it has naturally more gravity, some women govern 
their husbands without degrading themselves, because intellect will always 
govern.

(1. A lively writer, I cannot recollect his name, asks what business women 
turned of forty have to do in the world?)