"Well-behaved women seldom make history."
About Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
Laurel Thatcher Ulrich — Life and Legacy
Laurel Thatcher Ulrich is a prominent historian whose work has transformed the understanding of women's roles in history. Her book 'A Midwife's Tale' not only illuminates the life of a colonial midwife but also challenges the traditional narratives that often exclude women's experiences. Ulrich's assertion that 'Well-behaved women seldom make history' encapsulates her belief that the contributions of women are often overlooked, urging a reevaluation of historical significance. This perspective is crucial in a society that continues to grapple with gender inequality. Her insights reveal how the past shapes contemporary discussions about women's rights and representation. Ulrich's scholarship remains vital today, as it encourages readers to recognize the importance of diverse voices in history and the ongoing relevance of women's contributions to society.
Quote collection
Laurel Thatcher Ulrich quotes
7 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.
"A well-behaved woman seldom makes history"
"An androgynous mind was not a male mind. It was a mind attuned to the full range of human experience, including the invisible lives of women."
"So what do people see when they read that well-behaved women rarely make history? Do they imagine good-time girls in stiletto heels or do-good girls carrying clipboards and passing petitions? Do they envision an out-of-control hobbyist or a single mother taking down a drunk in a bar? I suspect that it depends on where they stand themselves."
"History is a conversation and sometimes a shouting match between present and past, though often the voices we most want to hear are barely audible."
"Some history-making is intentional; much of it is accidental."
"A pioneer is not someone who makes her own soap. She is one who takes up her burdens and walks toward the future."