Prudishness is pretense of innocence without innocence. Women have to remain prudish as long as men are sentimental, dense, and evil enough to demand of them eternal innocence and lack of education. For innocence is the only thing which can ennoble lack of education.

Summary

This quote suggests that prudishness, or excessively modest or easily offended behavior, is a facade of innocence that is not truly present. It argues that women are expected to maintain prudishness because men, who are portrayed as overly emotional, unintelligent, and wicked, demand perpetual innocence and ignorance from them. The quote further states that innocence is seen as the only quality that can elevate or dignify a lack of education.

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