From the Journal of Ralph Waldo Emerson

August 8th, 1845

What follow are my thoughts on M.’s newest book, Woman in the Nineteenth Century.

I, along with all of Margaret’s closest friends, have long known that she believes quite earnestly in the equality of the sexes. Naturally, by taking the step of making this opinion known to others, she has set herself apart from the rest of her friends, me included. Although I cannot truly embrace the view of perfect equality, I must admit that she has argued it quite well in her new work.

She touches on many a crucial point. When discussing the matter of Woman’s Rights, she engages in a conversation with a man who supports only limited rights for women.

‘Am I not the head of my house?’ He says. Margaret replies –

‘You are not the head of your wife. God has given her a mind and heart of her own.’

She ultimately presents an opinion that is radical in the extreme… ‘But if you ask me what offices they (women) may fill, I reply – any. I do not care what case you put; let them be sea-captains, if you will.’

M. draws on her beloved Mythology once again; and, this time, perfects her theory of Muse and Minerva. This is something of which she has long tried to convince me: she believes that the woman’s soul is composed of two parts. The Muse is feminine – ‘electrical in movement, intuitive in function, spiritual in tendency’; the half of woman that is particularly capable of mysticism and prophecy; empathy and sentiment. Minerva, on the other hand, is masculine and powerful – it possesses ‘intellectual power’ and ‘practical reason’. M. claims that ‘The growth of man(kind) is two-fold, masculine and feminine. As far as these two methods can be distinguished, they are so as Energy and Harmony. Power and Beauty. Intellect and Love.’

I find that this view does make some sense to me. In particular, I am able to appreciate Margaret’s insistence that, by promoting equal rights, she is striving to benefit men as equally as women. She refuses to view women as an oppressed minority, or men as senseless tyrants. She believes that both sexes are hurt by the unfair treatment of women.

Alas, Margaret! At times, in the past, you have tried desperately to make me see the sense in your teachings; always I have failed. This time, I see the sense – but will others do the same? You are The Friend, Margaret. It is your clumsy frankness, your unwavering, earnest attention that has won so many of us over to you. You always, and now, especially, walk across a thin high-wire; for you give us all that you have. Have we ever dared to return the gift? You have a right to expect great activity great demonstration and large intellectual contributions from your friends, and tho’ you do not say it you receive nothing.