
A reflective essay that delves into the idea of universal peace through the lens of a woman’s experience, this work blends personal conviction with broader philosophical reasoning. The author argues that women’s aversion to war is not merely a matter of protecting home and family, but a rational stance rooted in the welfare of all humanity. By examining moral, economic, religious, and cultural dimensions, she shows how the “New Woman” can become a powerful advocate for ending conflict.
Historical vignettes, such as a gathering in 1863 Warsaw where aristocratic ladies overhear political debates about an upcoming insurrection, illustrate how women’s perspectives can shape the course of events. Through these anecdotes the essay challenges traditional glorifications of war, urging readers to consider a more enlightened, inclusive approach to peace. The narrative invites listeners to contemplate how shifting gender roles might contribute to a world less torn by violence.
Language
en
Duration
~30 minutes (29K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Original publisher
United States: The North American Review, 1899.
Credits
Richard Tonsing and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive)
Release date
2022-11-29
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1843–1914
A pioneering peace activist and bestselling novelist, she helped turn anti-war writing into an international public force. In 1905 she became the first woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.
View all books