Mary Wollstonecraft was an influential English writer, philosopher, and advocate of women’s rights. She is best known for her 1792 treatise A Vindication of the Rights of Woman, in which she argued that women are not naturally inferior to men, but appear to be only because they lack education. Her writing has greatly impacted the development of feminist theory and thought throughout history. Throughout her works, Wollstonecraft espoused a number of powerful quotes and ideas about equality and human rights that continue to resonate today.”Women are told from their infancy, and taught by the example of their mothers, that a little knowledge of human weakness, justly termed cunning, softness of temper, outward obedience and a scrupulous attention to a puerile kind of propriety, will obtain for them the protection of man.” – Mary Wollstonecraft
Mary Wollstonecraft Quotes on Equality
Mary Wollstonecraft, a British writer, philosopher, and advocate of women’s rights is best known for her book A Vindication of the Rights of Woman (1792). This work was the first great feminist treatise and remains an important landmark in the history of women’s rights. Throughout her works, Wollstonecraft argued for equal education and opportunities for both sexes. She believed that men and women should be treated equally in all aspects. Here are several quotes from Wollstonecraft on equality:
“I do not wish them [women] to have power over men; but over themselves.”
“My own sex, I hope, will excuse me, if I treat them like rational creatures, instead of flattering their fascinating graces, and viewing them as if they were in a state of perpetual childhood.”
“I do not wish them to have power over men; but over themselves.”
“Taught from infancy that beauty is woman’s sceptre, the mind shapes itself to the body, and roaming round its gilt cage, only seeks to adorn its prison.”
“No man chooses evil because it is evil; he only mistakes it for happiness, the good he seeks.”
“Equality may perhaps be a right, but no power on earth can ever turn it into a fact.”
Through her works and these quotes on equality Mary Wollstonecraft sought to challenge traditional views of gender roles and advocate for equal treatment and opportunity between men and women. Her works remain influential today in our culture’s understanding of gender roles.
Mary Wollstonecraft Quotes on Rights of Women
Mary Wollstonecraft was a British writer and philosopher who was a champion for the rights of women. Her work, A Vindication of the Rights of Woman, was published in 1792, and it is thought to be one of the earliest works of feminist philosophy. Her writings had a significant influence on later feminists such as Susan B. Anthony and Betty Friedan. Here are some quotes from Mary Wollstonecraft that show her dedication to advancing the rights of women:
“I do not wish them [women] to have power over men; but over themselves.”
“Tyranny can scarcely be disguised when women are treated as a subordinate class.”
“It is time to effect a revolution in female manners – time to restore to them their lost dignity.”
“The being cannot be termed rational or virtuous who obeys any authority but that of reason.”
“Women ought to have representatives, instead of being arbitrarily governed without any direct share allowed them in the deliberations of government.”
“There must be a conformity established between the sexes, which may not lessen the distinction so necessary for each other’s happiness.”
Mary Wollstonecraft Quotes on Marriage
Mary Wollstonecraft was an 18th-century English feminist philosopher and writer, best known for her groundbreaking work A Vindication of the Rights of Woman. She also wrote extensively about marriage and as such, many of her quotes on marriage have become famous among feminists. Here are some of Mary Wollstonecraft’s most famous quotes on marriage:
“Marriage is a great and sacred duty; but to be fulfilled with mutual affection and confidence, it requires that the parties should be suited to each other.”
Wollstonecraft believed that a successful marriage required both parties to be suited to each other, in order for there to be mutual affection and confidence between them.
“If women be educated for dependence; that is, to act according to the will of another fallible being, and submit, right or wrong, to power, where are we to stop?”
For Wollstonecraft, marriage was not an excuse for a woman to become dependent on a man. Instead, she argued that women should have the same rights as men in order for them to make their own decisions about their lives.
“It is time to effect a revolution in female manners – time to restore them to their lost dignity – and make them as a part of the human species.”
Wollstonecraft believed that women were not given the same respect as men in society and saw marriage as an opportunity for women to reclaim their dignity as equal members of society.
“Let it then be impressed upon your mind that you are responsible beings…and I trust that you will prove yourselves worthy of your design.”
Wollstonecraft wanted women entering into marriage to realize their responsibility as autonomous individuals with free will. She wanted them make choices that reflected their values and worthiness.
Mary Wollstonecraft Quotes on Women’s Rights Activism
Mary Wollstonecraft was one of the most influential advocates for women’s rights in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. She was an ardent believer in equality between men and women, arguing that women should be treated as individuals rather than objects. Her works have inspired generations of feminists, and her quotes are still relevant today. Here are some of Mary Wollstonecraft’s most powerful quotes on women’s rights activism:
“I do not wish them [women] to have power over men; but over themselves.” This quote emphasizes Wollstonecraft’s belief that women should have autonomy and agency, and not be subject to male control.
“Tyranny is always better organized than freedom.” This quote speaks to the importance of organizing for equal rights, and how difficult it can be to achieve any kind of social change without a united effort.
“It is justice, not charity, that is wanting in the world.” This quote highlights Wollstonecraft’s belief that true justice must include the recognition of women as equals with men.
“Men are considered as superior to us only because they are supposed to possess a greater degree of strength.” Here, Wollstonecraft points out how misguided traditional beliefs about gender roles can be, and how they lead to inequality between genders.
“I do not wish them [women] to have power over men; but over themselves.” This quote emphasizes Wollstonecraft’s belief that women should have autonomy and agency, and not be subject to male control.
“Let woman share the rights, and she will emulate the virtues of man.” In this quote, Wollstonecraft argues that when given equal opportunities, women will prove their worth just as much as men do.
These quotes by Mary Wollstonecraft still resonate powerfully today with advocates for gender equality all around the world. They remind us both of how far we’ve come since Mary wrote them centuries ago – and how far we still need to go towards achieving true gender equality.
Mary Wollstonecraft Quotes on Religion and Morality
The English writer Mary Wollstonecraft is often remembered for her pioneering feminist writings, but she had much to say about religion and morality as well. Wollstonecraft saw religion and morality as inseparable, believing that one could not be fully realized without the other. She argued that true faith was rooted in reason and justice rather than in blind obedience to authority. She believed that religion should be used to cultivate morality, not to repress or control it. Wollstonecraft argued that a moral foundation was essential for any society to flourish: “It is justice, not charity, that is wanting in the world.”
Wollstonecraft also believed that religious belief should be voluntary rather than enforced by law or tradition. She argued that true faith could only exist when it was freely chosen by individuals. She wrote: “Religion must be voluntary; or it ceases to be religion; for whatever is compulsory does not proceed from the heart.” For Wollstonecraft, voluntary faith was a necessary part of any truly moral society.
Finally, Wollstonecraft stressed the importance of developing one’s own moral sense rather than relying on external sources of authority. She argued that real morality came from within each individual, not from an external set of rules or laws. She wrote: “Morality can only subsist upon a foundation of freedom; and this freedom must be founded upon truth and justice.” For Wollstonecraft, true morality entailed an internal commitment to justice and fairness rather than mere adherence to external codes of conduct.
For Mary Wollstonecraft, religion and morality were intimately intertwined concepts which could only be realized when both were founded on reason and freedom. Her writings remain relevant today as we continue to grapple with questions about how best to cultivate a just and moral society.
Mary Wollstonecraft Quotes on Politics and Governance
Mary Wollstonecraft was a pioneering British feminist thinker and author of the groundbreaking work “A Vindication of the Rights of Woman”. She was also an ardent political activist, advocating for greater democracy and freedom of expression. Her writings on politics and governance remain highly relevant to this day. Here are some of her most inspiring quotes on these topics:
“The beginning is always today.” This quote encourages us to take action in the present moment, rather than waiting for a future event to trigger our activism. Wollstonecraft understood that real change begins with every individual.
“The mind will ever be unstable that has only prejudices to rest on.” This quote speaks to the importance of questioning our beliefs and seeking out different perspectives. It encourages us to be open-minded and not let preconceived notions get in the way of progress.
“No man chooses evil because it is evil; he only mistakes it for happiness, the good he seeks.” This quote speaks to the power of education and understanding. We must strive to understand why people make certain decisions so that we can work towards creating better solutions that are beneficial for everyone.
“Educate women to love their duty, and they will soon become good citizens.” In this quote, Wollstonecraft emphasizes the important role education can play in creating a more equitable society. By educating women about their rights and responsibilities as citizens, they can become active participants in politics who help shape their communities for the better.
“One person with courage is a majority.” This quote reminds us that each individual has power within them, no matter how small or insignificant they may feel. Everyone has something valuable to contribute towards building a better world—all we have to do is muster up our courage and take action!
Human Nature
Mary Wollstonecraft was a pioneering feminist thinker who believed that human nature could be shaped by education and environment. She argued that the prevailing view of the day, which viewed women as inferior to men, was an artificial construct created by society. She believed that all humans were born with certain inalienable rights and should be treated equally regardless of gender or class. Wollstonecraft argued that human nature was malleable and could be improved through education and social reform. She argued that society should strive to create a culture where men and women could both reach their fullest potential.
Natural Laws
Wollstonecraft also believed in the importance of natural laws and rights, which she thought should govern society’s behavior towards its citizens. She argued for greater equality between genders, as well as greater rights for workers, children, and the poor. In her writing, Wollstonecraft called for greater respect for women’s rights and advocated for equal access to education for both sexes. She argued that laws should be based on reason rather than tradition or superstition and that individuals must take responsibility for their own actions. Wollstonecraft also championed the abolition of slavery, believing it to be an affront to natural law.
Overall, Mary Wollstonecraft’s views on human nature and natural laws were far ahead of her time. Her ideas about the equality between sexes have had a lasting impact on our society today and helped lay the groundwork for modern feminism. Her belief in personal responsibility has also inspired generations of people to strive for justice in their societies.
Conclusion
Mary Wollstonecraft’s quotes offer a timeless and powerful view of gender and human rights. Through her words, she encourages us to continue striving for a world in which everyone enjoys equal rights, regardless of gender or race. Her words are still relevant today and are a reminder that we must continue to work towards progress in the fight for gender equality and human rights.
Ultimately, Mary Wollstonecraft’s quotes remind us of our shared humanity and our responsibility to strive for justice in all aspects of life. We can all draw inspiration from her words and use them to guide us towards creating a more equitable society for all.