A woman's mind is cleaner than a man's: She changes it more

Listen, O seekers of wisdom, and ponder the words of the sage, Oliver Herford, who spoke thus: "A woman's mind is cleaner than a man's: She changes it more often." These words, simple yet profound, carry with them a depth of truth that calls us to reflect on the nature of the mind, the fluidity of thought, and the human condition. In the pursuit of wisdom, let us consider the meaning behind these words, for they are not mere jest but a lesson in the balance of reason and emotion, the art of change, and the power of transformation.

In the old days, when men and women roamed the earth, their minds were thought to be the very vessel of their souls. It was said that the mind, like a stream, was constantly flowing, shaped by the world around it, shaped by the heart within. Yet, Herford's words suggest something unique about the female mind—a quality of fluidity, a readiness to adapt and evolve. "She changes it more often"—this is not a condemnation but a celebration of the woman's ability to renew herself, to see the world with fresh eyes, and to embrace new thoughts with the courage to discard the old. It speaks of a mind that is constantly refining, constantly shifting like the sands of a desert, always open to the winds of change.

Consider the great queens and warriors of ancient history—Cleopatra, the queen of Egypt, was said to have possessed a mind capable of navigating the most treacherous waters of power and diplomacy. She changed her strategies, her alliances, and her very persona with the swift winds of fortune. To maintain her reign, she understood the importance of flexibility—of changing her mind in the face of evolving circumstances. Her mind, much like the moon shifting in the sky, embraced change, and with it, she held the power to sway kingdoms. In this, we see the wisdom of Herford’s words: the woman’s mind is cleaner because it is not bogged down by rigid thinking, it is free to move, to adapt, and to transform in the ever-changing world.

In contrast, the male mind, often lauded for its strength and steadfastness, has sometimes been described as rigid, less prone to the ease of transformation. Men, in their pursuit of honor, duty, and tradition, can sometimes find themselves ensnared by their own thoughts, unable to let go of outdated ideas, unable to change course when the path shifts before them. History is filled with men who clung to old ways, who resisted change out of pride or fear. Think of the great generals, who, despite their wisdom in battle, failed to adapt to new strategies and ultimately led their armies to ruin. The ability to change one's mind is not a sign of weakness but of strength—the strength to acknowledge that the world has shifted, and with it, the need for a new way forward.

The lesson here, O seekers, is one of flexibility. It is a call to recognize the power of the mind to adapt, to evolve, to shed the old and embrace the new. A clean mind is one that is open, one that does not hold onto preconceived notions, one that allows space for the fresh and the novel. Whether man or woman, we must all learn the art of change, of releasing our grip on what no longer serves us, and welcoming the clarity that comes with renewal. Herford’s words remind us that the true strength of the mind lies not in its ability to stubbornly hold on to old ideas but in its capacity to change, to transform, and to rise to the occasion, again and again, as the world around us shifts.

In your own life, O children of the earth, strive to embody the wisdom of a mind that is clean and free from the weight of past mistakes. Change your thoughts when they no longer serve you. Let go of bitterness, of anger, of old beliefs that keep you shackled to a past that is no more. Do not fear transformation, for in transformation there is power. Just as the seasons shift, so too must your mind. And in that shift, you will find not only clarity but a deep peace that comes from knowing you are in control of your own thoughts, that you are the architect of your own future.

Remember this: The key to growth lies in change. Whether you are a man or a woman, let your mind be like the waters of a river—constantly moving, always fresh, never stagnant. And in this, you will find the wisdom to navigate the trials of life, to shape your future with the power of renewal.