Page:The Relations Tolstoy.pdf/79

 and in consequence descent to plane lower than the family one, while imagining they are ascending higher.

I have been thinking a good deal about women and marriage, amongst other things, and should like to express my thoughts. Of course it was not about the little contemporary idols (women's universities, &c.) but of the great eternal calling of women. Much which is perverted is being preached in relation to this, in the very circles of educated women. It is taught, for instance, that woman should not be exclusive -should not love her own children more than others. Much that is misty and confused is preached about her development, her equality with man, but this doctrine that should not love her own children more than others is always preached, everywhere regarded as an axiom; and, as a practical rule, it includes the essence of the teaching. And yet this very doctrine is completely false.

The Calling of every human being, -both man and woman, is the service of mankind. With this general assertion I think all who are not immoral will agree. In the fulfillment of this calling there is a supreme difference between man and woman as regards the means which they employ. Man serves mankind with physical, mental and moral work. The modes of his service are exceedingly various; all the activities of humanity, with the exception of giving birth to and nursing children, represent the sphere of his service. Woman, besides