Fenelon's Treatise on the Education of Daughters Translated from the French, and Adapted to English Readers

"Fenelon's Treatise on the Education of Daughters" by François de Salignac de La Mothe-Fénelon advocates for a revolutionary shift in societal thinking, particularly concerning female education, by challenging the long-standing neglect of girls' intellectual growth. Penned in the late 17th century, the book passionately argues that a girl's education is just as vital as a boy's, due to the critical roles women take on within the home and community. Targeting both educators and parents, the author champions a complete, moral education, preparing young women with virtue, intelligence, and capability to foster positive societal ripples. The treatise opens by questioning conventional perspectives that limit female education to merely domestic skills. He argues that this neglect, in contrast to the elaborate systems of education for boys, is rooted purely in societal beliefs that undermine women’s importance and influence, setting the stage for a powerful re-evaluation of educational standards for girls.