Monday, July 4, 2011

Patriotic Message to the Ladies

This 4th of July holiday, I'd like to highlight a woman who is one of my personal heroes. Abigail Adams did not let her circumstances stop her from reaching her intellectual potential. She lived in a world dominated by men, and even though it was all but unheard of for a woman to take part in political debates, she did so frequently with some of the greatest minds in what would become the United States of America. She was opinionated, honest, and wise beyond words. Her eloquent letters provide a unique insight into the American Revolution and the formative years of this country.

Abigail Adams

To give you a glimpse into the nature of her wisdom, here are some of my favorite Abigail Adams quotes, starting with one of my favorite quotes of all time.

★"Well, knowledge is a fine thing, and mother Eve thought so; but she smarted so severely for hers, that most of her daughters have been afraid of it since."
★"Remember the ladies, and be more generous and favorable to them than your ancestors. Do not put such unlimited power into the hands of the Husbands...If particular care and attention is not paid to the Ladies we are determined to foment a Rebellion, and will not hold ourselves bound by any Laws in which we have no voice, or Representation." (She was very disappointed by the fact that this new country, with so many grand ideals, did not provide voting rights for women).
★"I've always felt that a person's intelligence is directly reflected by the number of conflicting points of view he can entertain simultaneously on the same topic."
★"Wisdom and penetration are the fruit of experience, not the lessons of retirement and leisure. Great necessities call out great virtues."


Message to American Girls

I think there is an important lesson women can learn from this amazing historical figure, no matter what country you're from- don't be stupid! If the greatest aspirations we have for ourselves are to have a great wardrobe and a ditzy personality, we are selling ourselves short. Considering the fact that history has not always been kind to females, and if you look at the world around us you will see that modern society still places us below men in many cultures, you will realize that it is not only our right, but our duty to educate ourselves. If nothing else, do it for the women who never had access to things like a higher education and a political voice.

I wanted to focus on Mrs. Adams as a celebration of the 4th of July because I don't think she gets as much credit as she should. This holiday has become a time of partying, cookouts, and spending time with family, and that's great. But let's not forget the people who came before us, especially when there is so much to be gained from what they had to say. Speaking of family gatherings, my big brother threw a party at his new house this weekend. He stocked up on fireworks to the point that his wife was questioning his sanity, but it made for a great show.

Fireworks

Fireworks

Fireworks

Fireworks

Fireworks

Fireworks

Fireworks

I hope all my U.S. readers are having a wonderful Independence Day! How do you celebrate?

10 comments:

Pili said...

Holly, thank you for introducing me to this remarkable woman! I so agree 200% with your statements!

Oh, and happy 4th of July!

Christie Cottage said...

Great post!

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http://christiecottage.blogspot.com

Diary of a Madd Weekly Painter said...

Love the Abagail quotes. There is so much I don't know. Love the fireworks also. Happy 4th to you and yours.

AJ said...

SUPER FIREWORKS ! ! !

Loved them.

Happy 4th of July!

Apurva
http://ajstates.blogspot.com

alexkeller said...

i love the quote about entertaining different points of view. i agree with her 100% and it never ceases to amaze me when people can't see points of view different from their own.

we missed the fireworks last night. but i did give my mom a call. she came to this country 48 years ago on the 4th of July! so the holiday has a very special meaning to her :)

Anonymous said...

Hey Holly! Such a great message, to remind us all that our freedoms don't come from not standing up for ourselves...

I love the saying "Well-behaved women rarely make history"
- by Laurel Thatcher Ulrich

Had a great time with friends Saturday night, with Family Sunday night, and Monday we just stayed home, relaxed and ate leftovers from the weekend, and watched the fireworks from our front porch. Was nice to take a few days off and just hang out. ♥

Ink Obsession Designs said...

This is a fantastic post!! Happy (belated) 4th of July! :)

JUST ME said...

Look a those eyebrows - she was so SASSY! I love it.

Hope your 4th was dazzling. And that you are being wonderful today - as I know you always are...

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

I hope you had a beautiful holiday!

babalisme said...

Happy Independence Day! Mine isn't all about fireworks, I kinda envy Americans'..