Meaning: The quote "The principle of subordination is the great bond of union and harmony through the universe" is attributed to Catharine Beecher, an influential educator and advocate for women's education in the 19th century. This quote reflects Beecher's belief in the importance of order, hierarchy, and cooperation in achieving harmony and unity in the world.

Catharine Beecher was born in 1800 into a prominent family of social reformers and educators. She was the daughter of Lyman Beecher, a well-known Presbyterian minister, and the sister of Harriet Beecher Stowe, the author of "Uncle Tom's Cabin." Beecher was raised in a household that valued education and social reform, and she became a prominent figure in the field of education herself.

Beecher's views on education were influenced by her belief in the importance of moral and religious instruction. She believed that education should not only focus on academic subjects but also on instilling moral values and promoting social order. Beecher was a proponent of the idea that women should be educated not only for their own personal development but also for their roles as mothers and teachers, who would shape the moral and social fabric of society.

The quote about the principle of subordination reflects Beecher's belief in the importance of order and hierarchy in achieving harmony. Beecher saw the universe as a complex system in which individuals and groups needed to cooperate and fulfill their respective roles in order to maintain order and achieve common goals. This concept of subordination, in Beecher's view, was not about domination or oppression but rather about the idea of individuals and groups willingly submitting to a greater purpose or authority for the greater good.

Beecher's emphasis on the principle of subordination can be seen in her advocacy for the role of women in the domestic sphere. She believed that women had a crucial role to play in maintaining order and harmony within the family and the broader society. Beecher's ideas about the subordination of women to men were rooted in her belief that this arrangement was not only natural but also essential for the well-being of society as a whole.

It is important to note that Beecher's views on the subordination of women have been a subject of controversy and criticism, particularly from modern feminist perspectives. While Beecher was a trailblazer in advocating for women's education and expanding their roles beyond the domestic sphere, her views on subordination have been seen as reinforcing traditional gender roles and perpetuating inequality.

In conclusion, the quote by Catharine Beecher reflects her belief in the principle of subordination as a means of achieving union and harmony in the universe. Beecher's ideas about the importance of order, hierarchy, and cooperation were informed by her views on education, morality, and the role of women in society. While her views on subordination have been subject to criticism, Beecher's influence on education and social reform in the 19th century cannot be understated.