What is contrary to women's nature to do, they never will be made to do by simply giving their nature free play

What is contrary to women's nature to do, they never will be made to do by simply giving their nature free play

John Stuart Mill, a prominent 19th-century philosopher and advocate for women's rights, believed that women should have the same opportunities and freedoms as men. In his seminal work, "The Subjection of Women," Mill argued that society's restrictions on women were not only unjust but also contrary to their nature. He believed that women, when given the chance to express their true selves, would naturally gravitate towards equality and autonomy.

Mill's assertion that what is contrary to women's nature to do, they never will be made to do by simply giving their nature free play, speaks to his belief in the inherent capabilities and desires of women. He argued that women, like men, possess rationality, agency, and the capacity for self-determination. Therefore, any attempts to suppress or limit women's rights and freedoms are ultimately futile and unjust.

Mill's views on women's nature were revolutionary for his time, as they challenged the prevailing beliefs that women were inherently inferior to men and should be confined to the domestic sphere. He believed that women should have the same opportunities for education, employment, and political participation as men, in order to fully realize their potential and contribute to society.

Mill's advocacy for women's rights was rooted in his broader philosophy of utilitarianism, which holds that the greatest happiness for the greatest number should be the ultimate goal of society. He believed that denying women their rights and freedoms not only harmed women themselves but also hindered the progress and well-being of society as a whole.