To the old saying that man built the house but woman made of it a 'home' might be added the modern supplement that woman accepted cooking as a chore but man has made of it a recreation.

In this quote, Emily Post comments on the traditional division of labor within the home, particularly focusing on cooking. She begins by referencing the old saying that man built the house but woman made it a "home", which highlights the traditional roles of men and women in the domestic sphere. In this context, women were primarily responsible for creating a warm, welcoming environment, while men were seen as the providers of the physical structure of the home.

Post then adds a modern supplement to this saying, suggesting that while women once accepted cooking as a chore, men have since transformed it into a form of recreation or leisure activity. This shift reflects changing gender dynamics, where cooking, once seen as a tedious and obligatory task for women, has become an enjoyable hobby or even an art form for men. The idea of cooking as recreation for men contrasts with the previous association of it as a routine, obligatory duty for women in the household.

The quote underscores how gender roles have evolved over time, particularly in the context of domestic labor. While women traditionally carried the responsibility for daily household tasks, modern society has seen a shift where men have embraced cooking as an activity of interest, skill, and enjoyment. This reflects broader changes in how men and women interact with domestic responsibilities, where once-restricted tasks are now shared or redefined.

Ultimately, Emily Post's quote highlights the transformation of traditional household roles, particularly regarding cooking, and the way society’s understanding of these roles has shifted. It suggests that cooking, once a necessary and sometimes burdensome task, has become an activity that both men and women can engage in for pleasure and personal fulfillment, breaking away from old societal expectations.