The Cure for Blindness // Moriah Nelson

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For what it’s worth, I really like Mary Wollstonecraft’s style of being slightly ironic and sarcastic as she makes her points. I’m not sure what I expected when I opened A Vindication of the Rights of Woman, but I should not have been surprised to come across a portion that seems to directly align with some of our in-class discussions on enlightenment. Wollstonecraft writes, “But alas! husbands, as well as their helpmates, are often only overgrown children; nay, thanks to early debauchery, scarcely men in their outward form – and if the blind lead the blind, one need not come from heaven to tell us the consequence.” (21) I think Wollstonecraft’s observation is not far off base from what we may see in our society today. If one does not think for him or herself, but rather expect to “grow up” the day he or she turns eighteen or twenty-one years old, then that individual cannot be enlightened. One does not merely wake up and realize that they have a “perfect mind” (21) and can fathom the mysteries that puzzle the rest of the world. Here, Wollstonecraft is making a point that women cannot rely on the maturity of the male mind for their guidance, but I think there is also a case to be made that women cannot rely on the maturity of their own minds. This is due to the fact that physical and mental maturity and time is not what brings about enlightenment and deeper understanding. Experience and curiosity do that, and it is available to all who desire it, male or female. I think if we encourage the enlightenment of both men and women, we will find that no longer will the “blind lead the blind,” but rather both will be able to see and discern for themselves. I think this is valuable for any society, marriage, and family. 
I commented on Jamie and Brenna's posts.

Comments

Gabby Strahan said…
I love your connections with Wollstonecraft and the enlightenment. We often do assume maturity will come automatically with age, but their is not a magical age. We must put the work in to think for ourselves in order to "grow up," which is often how our generation is criticized because we have the tendency of wanting the reward with putting in minimal effort. Your challenge to us all is very necessary and much appreciated. Great post!
October 21, 2019 at 8:29 PM
Madison Flowers said…
Moriah, you nailed this post! The enlightenment of all is so necessary for growth in the world. We cannot lean on other people's understanding, we must learn for ourselves. You are right, though, in that we cannot only lean on our own understanding alone. After all, we are a fallen creation. We must instead lean on the Lord and study His word. This idea of enlightenment and finding true reason has followed us through every book we have read so far and I cannot get enough! Loved your post!
October 22, 2019 at 6:08 AM
Ezra Kennedy said…
I like emphasis that you out on effort in gaining enlightenment, it’s not just..... given but it’s sought after, worked for, and earned. And although men are physically stronger (“superior”?) that has nothing to do with how well you can run after knowledge. Both men and women can seek and obtain enlightenment. Enlightenment doesn’t discriminate, nor is it just given as a gift....... too often.
October 22, 2019 at 7:55 AM
Brenna Stringfellow said…
Agreed. Women should not rely on their immature husbands for guidance. Why should they when all their brute husbands can see them as is someone who will pop out their heir? Women also don’t need to rely on the maturity of their own minds either. They’re not educated in the same way men are, now if they were educated, I believe women will have every opportunity to be enlightened. I mean if men receive the enlightening education and are still immature and act ridiculous, then would it really hurt for a woman to do it too?
October 22, 2019 at 8:05 AM
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