Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students - Ellen G. White

think as well as to act, and not depend upon others
to be brains for them.
Work Not Degrading
It is a popular error with a large class to regard
work as degrading; therefore young men are very
anxious to educate themselves to become teachers,
clerks, merchants, lawyers, and to occupy almost
any position that does not require physical labor.
Young women regard housework as belittling. And
although the physical exercise required to perform
household labor, if not too severe, is calculated to
promote health, yet they seek for an education that
will fit them to become teachers or clerks, or they
learn some trade that will confine them indoors to
sedentary employment. ...
True, there is some excuse for young women
not choosing housework for an employment
because those who hire kitchen girls generally treat
them as servants. Frequently the employers do not
respect them, but treat them as if they were
unworthy to be members of the family. They do
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