214 THE SCIENCE OF POWER 



have possessed this characteristic. Power in mind! 

 of the highest calibre is nearly always thus exhibitec 

 as in the closest association with the emotion of th 

 ideal. And in such circumstances when we knovt 

 the facts we see them turning instinctively anc 

 naturally to woman to give strength to that qualitj 

 in them which is the principal element in Power ir 

 its highest expressions. 



It is characteristic of woman that the habit o 

 mind required in these circumstances is nearly 

 always present. It is generally inborn even though 

 it remain latent. It renders members of the sex 

 capable of attaining over long stretches of time a 

 lofty, permanent, and controlled excitement which 

 exercises a profound influence over all the activities 

 of ordinary life. It is this kind of capacity which 

 enables even delicate women to maintain constancy 

 to an ideal for a prolonged period in the face of the 

 greatest difficulties and persecutions. Women in 

 such circumstances have the same capacity foi 

 devotion to causes as they have in other circum 

 stances to persons even through a long succession 

 of mental and bodily tortures. J. S. Mill described 

 the type of mind from which this quality proceeds 

 either in man or woman as always closely associated 

 with the power of leadership of mankind. 1 

 1 Subjection of Women, chap. iii. n. 



