This contempt of the understanding in early life has more baneful
consequences than is commonly supposed; for the little knowledge which
women of strong minds attain, is, from various circumstances, of a
more desultory kind than the knowledge of men, and it is acquired more
by sheer observations on real life, than from comparing what has
been individually observed with the results of experience
generalized by speculation. Led by their dependent situation and
domestic employments more into society, what they learn is rather by
snatches; and as learning is with them, in general, only a secondary
thing, they do not pursue any one branch with that persevering
ardour necessary to give vigour to the faculties, and clearness to the
judgment. In the present state of society, a little learning is
required to support the character of a gentleman; and boys are obliged
to submit to a few years of discipline. But in the education of women,
the cultivation of the understanding is always subordinate to the
acquirement of some corporeal accomplishment; even while enervated
by confinement and false notions of modesty, the body is prevented
from attaining that grace and beauty which relaxed half-formed limbs
never exhibit. Besides, in youth their faculties are not brought
forward by emulation; and having no serious scientific study, if
they have natural sagacity it is turned too soon on life and
manners. They dwell on effects, and modifications, without tracing
them back to causes; and complicated rules to adjust behaviour are a
weak substitute for simple principles.
