"If we mean to have heroes, statesmen and philosophers, we should have learned women"

Abigail Adams, in her quote "If we imply to have heroes, statesmen and philosophers, we should have discovered ladies", is advocating for the education and empowerment of ladies. This declaration is rooted in the belief that the cultivation of prominent, intelligent, and honorable individuals-- be they heroes who influence, statesmen who lead, or philosophers who ponder and illuminate complex realities-- requires the addition of informed females in society.

Adams recognizes that the development of a well-rounded and progressive society trusts the contributions and point of views of all its members, regardless of gender. By insisting on the value of "learned women", she highlights the idea that a society's development and moral fiber are enhanced through the intellectual and educational improvements of its ladies.

In many ways, the quote is a call to action versus the gender standards of her time that relegated women to the domestic sphere, restricting their access to education and, as a result, their capability to completely add to society's intellectual and cultural development. By promoting for the education of females, Adams asserts that women can similarly motivate as heroes, lead as statesmen, and offer insight as philosophers.

Furthermore, Adams' declaration implies that the qualities connected with these roles-- bravery, wisdom, leadership, and philosophical thought-- are not inherently gendered. By promoting education for ladies, she challenges the patriarchal structures that historically left out ladies from these roles and led the way for a more equitable society.

In essence, her quote is a prescient commentary on gender equality, highlighting that the development of a society is hackneyed by the restrictions placed on any section of its population. It speaks to the transformative power of education to foster a diverse and robust intellectual landscape, where contributions are welcome from all members, hence reinforcing the fabric of society. Her advocacy remains pertinent today as the world continues to grapple with issues of gender parity and education.