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We set the treatment of bodies so high above the treatment of souls, that the physician occupies a higher place in society than the school-master. The governess is to have every one of God's gifts; she is to do that which the mother herself is incapable of doing; but our son must not degrade himself by marrying the governess, nor our daughter the tutor, though she might marry the medical man.

Florence Nightingale#38

MedicineEducationSocial class

About this quote

What does it mean?
Nightingale criticizes society for valuing physical treatment over spiritual education. She points out the hypocrisy in how governesses are treated versus tutors.
In plain terms
Society values doctors over teachers but treats tutors poorly compared to doctors.
What can you take from it?
Education and moral guidance are undervalued compared to medicine.

Where it applies

  • educational reform
  • career planning
  • social critique

Putting it to work

  • revaluing educators
  • examining social hierarchies

Questions to consider

  • Why do we value physical health over mental development?
  • How do social hierarchies shape professional respect?

Another view

It focuses on historical gender dynamics that may have changed.

More from Florence Nightingale

  1. At present we live to impede each other's satisfactions; competition, domestic life, society, what is it all but this? We go somewhere where we are not wanted …

    Permalink to quote #37
  2. That man and woman have an equality of duties and rights is accepted by woman even less than by man. Behind his destiny woman must annihilate herself, must be …

    Permalink to quote #39
  3. The family uses people, not for what they are, nor for what they are intended to be, but for what it wants them for - its own uses. It thinks of them not as wh…

    Permalink to quote #36

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