Fathers Also Nurture

Let's hear it for Susan B. Anthony, the premier champion of women's rights.

Susan Brownell Anthony (February 15, 1820 – March 13, 1906) learned to read and write by the age of three. No doubt her fervor for gender equality was fostered when she was six years old.

The family had moved from Massachusetts to Battenville, New York, and Susan was enrolled in a local district school. Her teacher refused to teach her long division because she was female.

There's no doubt in my mind that her courage and inspiration to challenge gender discrimination came from her father in part. When he learned of the inferior education she was receiving based on her gender, he promptly removed her from that school and placed her in a group home school and proceeded to teach his daughter himself.

This is a good lesson for everyone in case there is any doubt in your mind: fathers are important to a child's growth and self-esteem.

One of my favorite quotations by Susan B. Anthony is great advice for anyone -- man or woman: "Forget conventionalisms, forget what the world thinks of you stepping out of your place; think your best thoughts, speak your best words, work your best works, looking to your own conscience for approval."

Takeaway Truth

Hang onto that advice. It can help you weather many a tough situation.