I here throw down my gauntlet, and deny the existence of sexual virtues, not excepting modesty. For man and woman, truth, if I understand the meaning of the word, must be the same . . . women, I allow, may have different duties to fulfil: but they are human duties, and the principles that should regulate them, I sturdily maintain, must be the same. To become respectable, the exercise of their understanding is necessary; there is no other foundation for the independence of character . . . .--Mary Wollstonecraft, "A Vindication of the Rights of Women"

We are Turks with the affections of our women, and have made them subscribe to our doctrine too. We let their bodies go abroad liberally enough, with smiles and ringlets and pink bonnets to disguise them instead of veils and yakmaks. But their souls must be seen by only one man, and they obey not unwillingly, and consent to remain at home as our slaves--ministering to us and doing drudgery for us.--William Thackeray "Vanity Fair"