Chapter 13, The Forfeited Self Summary

Scientists were becoming interested in studying the basic need for growth in humans. Scientists agreed that something innate drives humans to reach a state of self-realization. Psychologists considered a normal human being to be one that reaches the highest excellence of which the individual is capable. Love, acceptance and adjustment to the culture are not enough for happiness. The person needs to make a commitment to life and the future. This type of lifelong commitment was not permitted for women under the feminine mystique.

The effects of the failure of women to not reach their full potential had not been studied. Living for the future is what separates humans from animals. The ability to plan and shape the future is uniquely human. Housewives living the image of the feminine mystique did not have a purpose stretching into...