Laurel Thatcher Ulrich’s phrase, “Well-behaved women seldom make history”, doesn’t mean what most people think it means. Adventurous women have taken liberties with the phrase, and even misinterpreted it. Here’s what Ulrich woman really meant when she penned the phrase, and how it took a few wrong turns…

I first heard “well-behaved women rarely make history” from Canadian singer Jann Arden on CBC one morning. I was jogging, listening to her describe her latest album, Uncover Me. Oh, Arden’s voice…and OH, her words!

When she said “well-behaved women don’t make history”, my latest blog and possible idea snapped into place. See Jane Soar is all about practical life lessons from strong women in history – women who aren’t well-behaved, who make waves, and who forge ahead while overcoming fear and anxiety.

Here’s why Laurel Thatcher Ulrich coined this phrase and wrote the book Well-Behaved Women Seldom Make History, how it got so popular, and – as ever – a life lesson for successful women. 

Where “Well-Behaved Women” Came From – Laurel Thatcher Ulrich

About Laurel Thatcher Ulrich. According to her book Well-Behaved Women Seldom Make History, Ulrich was a 36 year old housewife enrolled in a graduate seminar in early American history when she wrote the phrase. It was in a seminar paper about the funeral sermons that described the lives of pious women back in the day.

In the 1600s and 1700s, pious women didn’t preach, vote, attend Harvard, question God, or ask to be remembered on earth. Since their request was granted – they aren’t remembered – Ulrich decided to give them a history. A voice!

And that’s who she was referring to when she said “Well-behaved women seldom make history.”

Ulrich’s slogan takes off 20 years later. Ulrich wrote it in 1976 and it exploded in 1995. Like many books, songs, businesses, and women it took a couple decades to flourish. A young woman called Jill Portugal asked Ulrich for permission to print it on T-shirts – and Ulrich now describes it as “my runaway sentence.”

The slogan has been emblazoned on T-shirts, coffee mugs, fridge magnets, and bumper stickers.

“Well-behaved women” run amok. Today, the slogan has extended far beyond its original purpose. Ulrich says her slogan has “allowed” some women to disregard copyright law and post her photo and phrase on T-shirts without permission. When Ulrich e-mailed them, they said, “I guess we are not very well-behaved girls.” Her slogan has also been connected to women in stilettos crushing cigarette butts, breaking social norms, and being wild and crazy (think Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohan, or Madonna in her early days).

Life lessons from this slogan: First, pay attention to everything you publicize, whether it’s on the internet or in a university paper – because it could make its way back to you decades later! Second, trust that if something you do or create is meant to be successful, it will. You still need to work hard, promote, take risks, and create your own opportunities to get what you want out of life - but you must trust the Universe or God or whatever you believe in that your time will come. (And then it will go, but that’s another story).

What does “well-behaved women seldom make history” mean to you? Are you a well-behaved woman? My hubby often calls me a “troublemaker”…that could help me make history, or it could just land me in the slammer.

~ Love & Marriage Help ~

7 Secrets to Fixing Your Marriage

The Magic of Making Up

How to Get Your Ex Back



~ Health & Fitness Goals ~

Stressed and Anxious? End Panic Attacks

5 Foods That Fight Fat

Dear Readers, thank you for your comments and questions -- I read them all! I try to respond, but may not be able to reply to everyone. ~ Warmly, Laurie