It is time that women should think for themselves, not in opposition to their male relations, but in order to be able to be true helpmeets to them, and not mere dolls to be looked at, admired, and petted, but not consulted in difficulty or trouble.
I cannot now discuss this question at any length, but it is of great importance in regard to the present subject, for the dictates of reason are never more neglected than in matters concerning dress.
In the choice of dress women are content for themselves and their children either to imitate others, or to follow the suggestions of their tradespeople. This is a hindrance to all progress towards a rational system of clothing, as will be seen presently.
The spirit of imitation which we find so largely developed among those at the top of the scale of the lower animals, as for instance among the apes, is characteristic of a certain phase of human mind; we find it at the highest in childhood, while it diminishes with the growth of intellect, and in accordance with this fact we find it very highly developed among idiots and comparatively uncivilized nations.[1] In manners, customs, and dress, however, the so-called civilized nations of Europe are in the matter of "apishness" no further advanced than the most uncultured savage. Imitation is the great principle which governs Fashion, and Reason in these matters plays but a very minor part.
- ↑ For a fuller explanation of the subject, see my articles on Thought and Language, published in Knowledge during 1885. Articles xvi.and xvii.
