Dirty Girl Things
Sunday, April 08, 2007
Number Fifty-Eight
In the Company of Courtesans
“Hetaera” by Franciszek Żmurko
Robert Paterson has created an interesting series of articles over on his blog, Trusted Space, in collaboration with his sister, Diana, about “Courtesans”. How does he gain this first-hand insight into the Courtesan world? From his sister.
The series begins with Post Hierarchical Gender Roles, which asks:
“Which would you rather be: Carly (Fiorina) or Pamela (Harriman)?
“Who is Pamela?” You may ask. Pamela Harriman was one of the most influential women of the 20th century. You still haven’t heard of her? Well that was part of her power. She was the consummate insider.
As a young woman, she was known for her beauty. But she was so much more than that. Without a formal education, she became known for her mind. She was at the centre of power in both the UK and the US in her 20’s and thirties and never relinquished her influence on the most powerful people of her time.
Having begun life in genteel poverty, she became very wealthy. Having been a figure of scandal, she became a major force in American Politics. Having been a significant force in the Clinton election, she astounded her critics by becoming an exceptional US Ambassador to France. She died, still active in mind and in body, while swimming in the pool, at the Ritz in Paris. Over 1,000 people came to her funeral at the Washington National Cathedral.
So how did she do this? Well she was a Courtesan. Not a prostitute. A Courtesan.
So what’s a Courtesan? You wouldn’t like to be called one would you?
This is the first chapter in a short series that will make the case that being a Courtesan may be a role that a truly modern, post industrial woman may aspire to. That is if she wants to become economically self-sufficient, psychologically independent, personally powerful and attached to a steadfast group of lifelong devoted friends who are both men and women.
We will discover together the secrets of the courtesan and see how this life can work today. You will see, I hope, that their ability to create a Trusted Space emerges as a critical role in the development of their relationships and in their own lives.
Courtesans don’t make men lose their heads, they are not Helen of Troy.
They gain the man’s everlasting respect, re: Talleyrand returning to Germaine every time he was in trouble. She was Necker’s daughter, but more interesting than that was her mother. Also Swiss, and she had been engaged to Gibbon. A pastor’s daughter, she was well educated and did much to advance her husband’s career.
Their series has five chapters planned.
The Life of the Courtesan - A Model for the Post-Industrial Woman?
Chapter 1 - The Mind - The Core of Courtesanship - Being well educated versus going to school
Chapter 2 - Sex - The art of being really loving rather than making love
The remaining three chapters include:
Chapter 3 - Husbands/Mates, Fellowship and Fidelity - Going beyond the body to the whole person
Chapter 4 - Post Modern Relationships - Return to Hunter Gatherer Society
Chapter 5 - The Kingdom - The underlying contract with nature and with Our Nature
Robert and Diana also look at the core institution of marriage today with Post Modern Marriage - A Return to Eden?
And finally, this describes the distinction between a Courtesan and other women based on Pamela Harriman’s life and story.
Overall, a very interesting read so far. Kudos to Robert and Diana. Looking forward to the rest of the series.
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Sincerely.
Eve and JW3 and Mélisande
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