Jesus Christ raised women above the condition of mere slaves, mere ministers to the passions of the man, raised them by His sympathy, to be Ministers of God. He gave them moral activity. But the Age, the World, Humanity, must give them the means to exercise this moral activity, must give them intellectual cultivation, spheres of action.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Nightingale credits Jesus with elevating women's status but argues society must now provide them the education and means to exercise their moral agency.
- In plain terms
- Women were raised up spiritually, but society must give them real tools to act morally.
- What can you take from it?
- Elevation requires not just moral recognition but also practical resources and education.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What tools do you need to act on your values?
- Who is responsible for providing opportunities?
Another view
It attributes social progress solely to religious influence rather than broader humanist movements.
More from Florence Nightingale
It seems as if the female spirit of the world were mourning everlastingly over blessings, not lost, but which she has never had, and which, in her discourageme…
Permalink to quote #49 Nothing can well be imagined more painful than the present position of woman, unless, on the one hand, she renounces all outward activity and keeps herself wit…
Permalink to quote #51 Women dream till they have no longer the strength to dream; those dreams against which they so struggle, so honestly, vigorously, and conscientiously, and so i…
Permalink to quote #48
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