In social practice, functions should belong to those who can perform them: woman therefore should perform those functions for which she shows herself qualified, and society should become so organized that this may be possible.
What are these functions relative to her degree of present development? I will tell you directly.
LOVE; ITS FUNCTION IN HUMANITY.
I.
You tell the child that lies, "it is wrong to deceive; you would not wish others to deceive you."
You tell the child that pilfers, "it is wrong to steal; you would not wish others to steal from you."
You tell the child that takes advantage of his strength and knowledge to torment his younger companion; "you would not wish others to do these things to you; you are wicked and cowardly."
These are good lessons. Why then, when the child has become a young man, do you say: Young men must sow their wild oats?
To sow their wild oats is to deceive young girls, to destroy their future, to practice adultery, to keep mistresses, to visit brothels.
Yet mothers, women thus consent to the profanation of their sex!