Woman in the Nineteenth Century

Woman in the Nineteenth Century is a book by American journalist, editor, and women's rights
advocate Margaret Fuller.

The main topic is the differences between men and women and advocated for women's need to have
their educational and spiritual resources strengthened. She concluded that both sexes share feminine
and masculine qualities and that the differences lie in the individual.

The basis for Fuller's essay is the idea that man will rightfully inherit the earth when he becomes an
elevated being, understanding of divine love. There have been periods in time when the world was more
awake to this love, but people are sleeping now; however, everyone has the power to become
enlightened. Man cannot now find perfection because he is still burdened with selfish desires, but Fuller
is optimistic and says that we are on the verge of a new awakening. She claims that in the past man, like
Orpheus for Eurydice, has always called out for woman, but soon will come the time when women will
call for men, when they will be equals and share a mortgage.

According to Fuller, America has been hindered from reaching equality because it inherited depravity
from Europe, hence its treatment of Native and African Americans. Fuller quotes the ancient Medes on
how all people are equal and bound to each other; those who infringe on others' rights are condemned,
but the biggest sin is hypocrisy. Man needs to practice divine love as well as feel it. Among those who
practice it are the abolitionists because they act on their love of humanity; many women are part of this
group.