Page:About people (IA aboutpeople00well).pdf/145

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THE TRANSITIONAL WOMAN.
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ambition. Formerly, to be a good house-keeper, an anxious mother, an obedient wife, was the ne plus ultra of female endeavor, — to be all this for others' sakes. Now it is to be more than one is for one's own sake. Knowledge is valued as an end rather than as a means. Of course there is much attainment of knowledge among women that is purely philanthropic; but also there is a vast amount of culture that is purely selfish. Some have a provoking knack at using all their knowledge; the politeness of others forbidding inquiry as to its date of acquirement. They willingly seem more learned than they are. They "do" books as some travellers "do" Europe. They are dogmatic, and possess a certainty of conviction where others disagree, that is amusing and aggravating. I accept your premises, but doubt your conclusion, is a simple statement; but it suggests memories of authoritativeness and slight philosophical acumen. Then, women quote, quote, quote, and say,

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