human
A vast deal of nonsense is talked in the name of philosophy, he observed, in a tone of gay self-confidence peculiar to him, and more indicative of character than even what he said.
gpt
People seem to think that they have only to quote Spencer or Huxley, or take an interest in heredity, to justify themselves in throwing off all the trammels, as they would regard them, of duty and common sense.
human
I have not observed that tendency,
gpt
Really. I regret to say that I notice everywhere a disposition to evade responsibilities which, in former days, would have been honestly and contentedly accepted.
human
Our standards are all changing, said Miss Du Prel.
gpt
It does not follow that they are changing for the worse.
human
It seems to me that they are not so much changing, as disappearing altogether, said Temperley cheerfully,
gpt
We are perhaps, a little tired of hearing about duties,
human
You admit then what I say, he returned placidly.
gpt
Every woman wants to be Mary, and no one will be Martha.
human
I make just the opposite complaint,
gpt
Dear me, quite a different way of looking at it. I confess I have scant patience with these interfering women, who want to turn everything upside down, instead of quietly minding their duties at home.
human
I know it is difficult to make people understand,
gpt
I should esteem it a favour to be enlightened,
human
You were just now condemning socialism, Mr. Temperley, because you say that it attempts to ignore the principle of the division of labour. Now, when you lose patience with the few women who are refusing to be Marthas, you ignore that principle yourself. You want all women to do exactly the same sort of work, irrespective of their ability or their bent of mind. May I ask why?
gpt
Because I consider that is the kind of work for which they are best fitted,
human
Then _you_ are to be judge and jury in the case; _your_ opinion, not theirs, is to decide the matter. Supposing _I_ were to take upon myself to judge what _you_ were best fitted for, and were to claim, therefore, to decide for you what sort of life you should live, and what sort of work you should undertake----?
gpt
I should feel every confidence in resigning myself to your able judgment,
human
Ah, she said,
gpt
It is no joke to jest with an able woman, he returned.
human
Seriously, I have considerable sympathy with your view, and no wish to treat it flippantly. But if I am to treat it seriously, I must admit frankly that I think you forget that, after all, _Nature_ has something to say in this matter.