The Educational Writings of Richard Mulcaster — John Shaqi
The Educational Writings of Richard MulcasterMulcaster, Richard
History
The Educational Writings of Richard Mulcaster
Mulcaster, Richard
Education -- History
The excellent effects in those women who have been well trained
show clearly that they deserve the best training. What better
example can be found to assure the world than our most dear
sovereign lady and princess, who is so familiarly acquainted with
the nine Muses that they strive which may love her best for being
the most learned, and for whose excellent knowledge we who taste of
the fruit have most cause to rejoice?
Aim of Education for Girls.
But now having granted them the benefit and society of our
education, we must determine the end which this training is to
serve, so that it may be better applied. Our training is without
restriction either as regards subject-matter or method, because our
employment is so general; their functions are limited, and so must
their education be also. If a young maiden is to be brought up with
a view to marriage, obedience to authority and similar qualities
must form the best kind of training; if from necessity she has to
learn how to earn her own living, some technical training must
prepare her for a definite calling; if she is to adorn some high
position she must acquire suitable accomplishments; if she is
destined for government, which may be offered to her by men, and
is not denied her by God, the greatness of the position calls for
general excellence, and a variety of gifts. Wherefore, having these
different ends always in view, we may appoint them different kinds
of training in accordance with circumstances.
But some churlish carper will say: “What should women do with
learning?” Such a one will never pick out the best, but be always
ready to blame the worst. If all men always made a good use of
their learning we might have something to allege against women,
but seeing that misuse is common to both sexes why should we blame
them, when we are not free from the same infirmity ourselves? Some
women may make a bad use of their writing, others of their reading;
some may turn all that they learn to bad account. And I pray you
what do we? I do not excuse ill, but I bar those from accusing who
are as bad themselves. As we share both virtues and vices with
women, let us exchange forbearance, and, hoping for the best, give
them free opportunity.
When their Education should begin.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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