I was greatly anticipating my first introduction to Ms. Dorothy L. Sayers.
While at Oxford, she occasionally met with the group of intellectuals known as the “Inklings” which included the likes of C.S. Lewis, and J.R.R. Tolkien.
A few months ago, while reading Lewis’ book “Miracles” I came across a reference to a book on the mind of God by Dorothy Sayers. If C.S. Lewis recommends her, then she’s good enough for ol’ Shotgun.
“Are Women Human” consists of two essays written by Sayers, and is really short. I figured it would be an excellent place to begin familiarizing myself with her thought and writing style.
Dorothy Sayers wrote during a time of great societal turmoil, much of it surrounding the feminist movement. Being a leading intellectual woman and author, women looked to her for guidance. Ms. Sayers represents what I consider to be “feminism, before feminism went bad.”
The summary from the back of the book provides a great overview of her thoughts:
“The proper role of both women and men, in her (Sayers) view, is to find the work for which they are suited and to do it.”
Many people are unhappy with their lot in life. Some people are more suited to certain jobs than others. Sayers eloquently argues that if women are more suited for a particular job, then they should do it, and if men are more suited for a particular job, then they should do that!
She very quickly points out that the two sexes are not equal. In fact, no man is equal. We are all born to different stations in life. We all have different skills, different abilities, strengths and weaknesses. The fact that we happen to be male or female does not change the truth of our different lots.
So, contrary to the male bigots out there, Sayers argues for the right of women to pursue their callings; however to the dismay of the more radical feminists, she calls for restraint of female passions. (Many women were wanting to do what the men did, just because the men were doing it.)
One of the more vivid illustrations she talks about, is when a male fan of her mystery novels asked her about the authenticity of the male dialouge in her books, she responds by saying, she made them talk like humans.
So, are Women really human?
I guess they are after all.
(But, still… keep your distance, because, while they may be human, they do have cooties! And they are known to make guys sale their sports cars or motorcycles from time to time, and buy mini-vans! Oh the horror!)
