Brain power improves by brain use, just as our bodily strength grows with exercise. And there is no doubt that a large proportion of the female population, from school days to late middle age, now have very complicated lives indeed.
In this quote, A. N. Wilson, a British author and journalist, draws a parallel between the development of brain power and the improvement of bodily strength through regular use and exercise. He suggests that just as physical strength grows stronger with exercise, mental capacity also increases with consistent mental activity. Wilson implies that engaging the mind regularly in complex tasks and problem-solving enhances its abilities, much like physical fitness is improved by working out.
Wilson then shifts focus to highlight the increasingly complicated lives of women, particularly from school days to late middle age. He acknowledges that many women today face multifaceted challenges in their personal, professional, and social lives, which require them to juggle multiple responsibilities and roles. This complexity, Wilson argues, is a result of societal changes, where women have expanded their roles beyond traditional expectations, taking on greater professional and personal responsibilities.
The origin of this quote lies in Wilson’s reflections on the evolution of gender roles and the impact of these changes on women. His comment reflects a broader societal shift, where women’s roles have become more dynamic and multifaceted, requiring a greater use of mental faculties and problem-solving skills. The complexity of women's lives is a theme Wilson has explored in his writing, particularly in terms of how changing social norms impact daily life and individual development.
Ultimately, Wilson’s words underline the idea that the mental and emotional strength of women has been honed by their increasingly complex lives, much like the improvement of physical strength through exercise. His quote encourages us to recognize the intellectual demands placed on women, and how these demands contribute to the growth and development of their mental capabilities over time.
DCduc chu
There’s a lot packed into this quote. On the surface, it's about brain development, but it subtly highlights gendered experiences of mental strain. I’m curious—does Wilson mean that women are using their brains more because life is more complicated now? Or is he pointing out how society often fails to acknowledge the cognitive demands of traditionally ‘invisible’ roles? Either way, it opens up a needed conversation about how we define intelligence and who gets credit for it.
MHNguyen Manh Hung
This quote gets me thinking about how education and cognitive development should be lifelong pursuits—not just for students, but for adults balancing work and family. I agree that mental exercise is essential, but I also wonder: are we giving people—especially women—the time and space to actually engage their minds beyond the daily grind? Do the complexities of modern life stimulate the brain, or just overload it?
MANGUYEN THI MINH ANH
I appreciate the recognition here of how much cognitive work is demanded from women across their lives. But it also feels a bit like an observation without a clear stance—almost like Wilson is surprised by it. It makes me ask: are these 'complicated lives' a badge of progress or a sign of imbalance? Has liberation come with more pressure rather than more freedom? And where do we go from here?
TDchu tien dat
This quote makes me reflect on the undervalued intelligence involved in multitasking and emotional labor. When Wilson notes the complexity of women’s lives, I wonder if he’s hinting at how that complexity isn't always seen as intellectual in nature—though it clearly is. Why don’t we equate managing a household, career, and relationships with ‘brain power’? Is it because society still devalues traditionally feminine tasks, even when they demand constant problem-solving?
CBNguyen Chi Binh
The statement about brain power growing with use feels universally true. But I’m struck by the way Wilson draws attention to the mental demands on women specifically. It raises the question: have these complex roles led to more intellectual growth or just more stress? And how do we measure ‘improvement’—by cognitive agility, or by resilience under pressure? Maybe we need to rethink how we define and support mental strength, especially in women.