In the 18th century, some French female thinkers advanced the cause of women’s rights. Madam Yu offered a more global perspective.
by Christine Mirre*
*A paper presented at the seminar “Remembering Shimu’s Fight: Conscience and the Tai Ji Men Case,” Pasadena, California, April 5, 2024.
An article already published in Bitter Winter on April 10th, 2024.
In the 18th century, the Enlightenment marked a decisive turning point in the history of Western thought. The philosophers of this era challenged the foundations of society, advocating a new awareness of reason, freedom, and equality.
Among them, the women of the Enlightenment played a crucial role in promoting political awareness and human rights to create a more just and harmonious world.
The French literary salons, organized by influential women such as Madame de Tencin, Madame Geoffrin, and Madame du Deffand, were meeting places for intellectual exchange.
These spaces allowed the thinkers of the time to freely discuss new ideas, thus promoting the spread of the Enlightenment. The women who presided over these salons encouraged critical thinking and helped shape public opinion in favor of social and political reform.
Among these Enlightenment women, Olympe de Gouges stands out for her commitment to women’s rights. In her “Declaration of the Women Rights” in 1791, she claimed for women the same rights granted to men in the “Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen.” Although largely ignored at the time, her text laid the foundation for modern feminism and inspired future generations in their fight for women’s emancipation.
Madame de Staël, another key figure of the Enlightenment, also fought for the recognition of women’s rights. In her writings, she defended the idea that women’s education was essential to the progress of society. She argued that women should have access to the same education as men and that they could contribute to intellectual and political life. Her innovative ideas influenced many thinkers and paved the way for women’s greater participation in public life.
Women of the Enlightenment also played a significant role in spreading abolitionist ideas. Madame de Condorcet, wife of the philosopher Nicolas de Condorcet, was an active supporter of the abolitionist cause. She collaborated with her husband to draft texts denouncing the inhumane practice of slavery and used her influence to raise public awareness of the issue. Thanks to her commitment, the abolitionist movement gained momentum and contributed to the evolution of attitudes and the gradual abolition of slavery.
Other women of the Enlightenment contributed to the emergence of a new concept of family and motherhood. Writers such as Madame d’Épinay and Madame de Genlis defended the idea that mothers had an essential role to play in the education of their children and in the transmission of civic values. They encouraged a more loving and egalitarian relationship within the family, foreshadowing the social changes to come.
They also played a key role in promoting political awareness and human rights. Through their writings, activism, and influence in literary salons, they helped to shape the thinking of their time and pave the way for a more just and egalitarian society. Their legacy continues to inspire struggles for gender equality and the defense of human rights.
Their invaluable contribution to the history of ideas and the building of a better world has been carried on by many women around the world.
One of them was Madam Yu Mei-Jung, Shimu of Tai Ji Men.
She dedicated her life to promoting a culture of peace, love, and conscience worldwide and worked to advance human rights, environmental sustainability, and global citizenship as Vice-President of the Federation of World Peace and Love, and Chair of the Advisory Board of the Association of World Citizens.
Madam Yu’s influence extended across five continents through her organization of international conferences, cultural exchanges, and public welfare activities. Her compassionate and gentle heart, coupled with her determination and strength, touched and transformed tens of thousands of families globally.
By fostering respect, tolerance, and compassion among individuals, nations, and societies, Madam Yu left an indelible mark on the world.
Her unwavering commitment to spreading the ideals of love, peace, and conscience continues to inspire others to work towards a more harmonious future for all.
In conclusion, I can say that Madam Yu’s work for a peaceful world, and all her contributions to making the world aware that a harmonious world can only be achieved in love and peace, reflects a broader awareness of global goals, and thus goes beyond the contributions of the women of the Enlightenment, of which she was undoubtedly the noble heiress.