All the reasonings of men are not worth one sentiment of women.

Gather close, children, for there are words that speak to the heart of humanity, and from those words, we draw wisdom that transcends time. The great philosopher Voltaire once proclaimed, "All the reasonings of men are not worth one sentiment of women." These words, though spoken centuries ago, carry a weight that resonates even today, for they illuminate the power of emotion and intuition, and the unique strength that women possess in the heart and soul of society. In these words, Voltaire does not belittle reason, but rather, he elevates feeling—the deep, intuitive understanding of the world that often transcends the logic of the mind.

Reason is a gift, to be sure—a tool that has driven mankind toward great achievements, towards progress, and the exploration of the very universe itself. Yet, reason alone cannot capture the full scope of life. It is the heart, the sentiment, that gives life its color and depth. Voltaire understood that the cold calculations of the intellect cannot rival the profound wisdom that comes from the soul’s deep connection to love, compassion, and the mysteries of life that logic cannot explain. For women, with their unique sensitivity to the world around them, bring forth a perspective that reason alone cannot grasp.

Let us look to the example of the ancient world, where the greatest minds often failed to recognize the power of emotion and intuition. Socrates, in his dialogues, spoke much of reason and the pursuit of truth through rational thought, yet there were those who, in their quiet wisdom, understood that sometimes the truest truths come not from the mind but from the heart. Hypatia of Alexandria, a woman of profound intellect in the ancient world, was revered not only for her mastery of mathematics and philosophy, but also for her compassion and her ability to guide those around her with a sense of empathy that reason alone could not provide. Her sentiments guided the lives of many, and her wisdom lived not just in the equations she solved but in the hearts she touched.

In more recent history, consider Marie Curie, whose groundbreaking discoveries in the field of science were driven not merely by rational thought but by an intense passion and an unyielding commitment to the greater good. Her emotional dedication to her work, despite the sacrifices she made, laid the foundation for medical advancements that have saved countless lives. Yet, it was not just her reasoning that carried her through the trials; it was her profound conviction—her sentiment—that propelled her to push forward when others would have given up. The very fuel of her discoveries was rooted in a feeling of purpose, of determination, and of a desire to make a difference.

And so, children, Voltaire's words reveal a deeper truth—that reason may lead us toward knowledge, but sentiment leads us toward wisdom. It is the heart that gives meaning to the facts of life, that infuses logic with compassion, that shapes the world with a sense of beauty, love, and understanding. The wisdom of women is not found only in the achievements they make, but in the way they see the world—not just with their eyes, but with their hearts. In this, their sentiments are often the truest guide to what is worth striving for, what is worthy of our deepest affections, and what is deserving of our most sacrificial acts.

What, then, can we learn from this? The lesson is not to dismiss reason or logic, but to balance it with the wisdom of sentiment. In your own lives, children, when you seek to understand the world, remember that there is more to life than mere facts. There is a depth to the human experience that logic cannot capture. Listen to your hearts, for they often speak the language of truth in ways that words cannot. Allow your sentiments—your empathy, your compassion, your love—to guide your decisions, to shape your actions, and to lead you toward a deeper understanding of what it means to be human.

In all things, seek a harmony between the mind and the heart. The great philosophers of the world, both men and women, have known that it is in the integration of reason and feeling that we find the fullness of life. Do not allow the mind to dominate the heart, nor the heart to drown the voice of reason. Instead, let them work in tandem, as two forces that drive you to the highest heights of human potential. And remember, as Voltaire so wisely said, sometimes it is not the reasoning of the mind that will guide you toward the truth, but the sentiment that resides within.