Elizabeth Stuart Phelps
7 quotes
Biography
Elizabeth Stuart Phelps Ward was an early feminist American author and intellectual who challenged traditional Christian beliefs of the afterlife, challenged women's traditional roles in marriage and family, and advocated clothing reform for women.
"Success for a woman means absolute surrender, in whatever direction. Whether she paints a picture, or loves a man, there is no division of labor possible in her economy. To the attainment of any end worth living for, a symmetrical sacrifice of her nature is compulsory upon her."
"Happiness must be cultivated. It is like character. It is not a thing to be safely let alone for a moment, or it will run to weeds."
"Happiness must be cultivated. It is like character. It is not a thing to be safely let alone for a moment, or it will run to weeds."
"What an immense power over the life is the power of possessing distinct aims. The voice the dress the look the very motions of a person define and alter when he or she begins to live for a reason."
"The great law of denial belongs to the powerful forces of life whether the case be one of coolish baked beans or an unrequited affection."
"Happiness must be cultivated. It is like character. It is not a thing to be safely let alone for a moment or it will run to weeds."
"It is not the straining for great things that is most effective it is the doing the little things the common duties a little better and better."