I have often thought of it as one of the most barbarous customs in the world, considering us as a civilized and a Christian country, that we deny the advantages of learning to women. We reproach the sex every day with folly and impertinence; while I am confident, had they the advantages of education equal to us, they would be guilty of less than ourselves.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Defoe claims denying education to women is barbaric and argues they would behave better if educated equally.
- In plain terms
- Denying women education is barbaric; they would be better if taught.
- What can you take from it?
- Education should be equal to improve behavior.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How does education shape behavior?
- Why limit education?
Another view
The claim assumes education alone fixes behavior.
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