Beauty Or Wit?

"Who is't that to women's beauty would submit, and yet refuse the fetters of their wit?" - Aphra Behn, the first woman in history to make a living as a writer 


Aphra Behn lived from 1640 to 1689. That era was quite different from the one we live in now. Yet this quote tells us something intriguing about this writer. Even back in the 1600's, this woman understood the importance of having our wits about us.

Wit is defined as "reasoning power" and "astuteness of perception". At times we may find ourselves drawn to those who share their wise observations about life with us. They are usually people who do not preach from the mountains but quietly share their insights, one on one. We have all surely met people like this who have their wits about them. They are the types of people we can aspire to be like as we continue on our journey of spiritual growth.

We can be grateful to writers such as Aphra Behn, who stepped out and took a chance when faced with one of the biggest challenges of their time. It is hard to imagine what it must have been like to venture out as the first woman in history to earn a living as a writer. It is obvious she was in tune with what people wanted to read. This quote indicates she was perceptive and wise. This is something we should consider in our own lives. Do we submit only to beauty? If we do, here is to changing our ways.

Today I will show my appreciate for those who share their wit and wisdom with others. I am grateful.


ARTICLES BY K KERSWIG