Source: A Vindication of the Rights of Woman (1792), Ch. 4
Quotes from book
A Vindication of the Rights of Woman
A Vindication of the Rights of Woman: with Strictures on Political and Moral Subjects , written by the 18th-century British proto-feminist Mary Wollstonecraft, is one of the earliest works of feminist philosophy. In it, Wollstonecraft responds to those educational and political theorists of the 18th century who did not believe women should receive a rational education. She argues that women ought to have an education commensurate with their position in society, claiming that women are essential to the nation because they educate its children and because they could be "companions" to their husbands, rather than mere wives. Instead of viewing women as ornaments to society or property to be traded in marriage, Wollstonecraft maintains that they are human beings deserving of the same fundamental rights as men.
Source: A Vindication of the Rights of Woman (1792), Ch. 9
Source: A Vindication of the Rights of Woman (1792), Ch. 4
“How can a rational being be ennobled by anything that is not obtained by its own exertions?”
Source: A Vindication of the Rights of Woman (1792), Ch. 3
Source: A Vindication of the Rights of Woman (1792), Ch. 9
Source: A Vindication of the Rights of Woman (1792), Ch. 3
Context: Should it be proved that woman is naturally weaker than man, from whence does it follow that it is natural for her to labour to become still weaker than nature intended her to be? Arguments of this cast are an insult to common sense, and savour of passion. The divine right of husbands, like the divine right of kings, may, it is to be hoped, in this enlightened age, be contested without danger, and though conviction may not silence many boisterous disputants, yet, when any prevailing prejudice is attacked, the wise will consider, and leave the narrow-minded to rail with thoughtless vehemence at innovation.
“It is justice, not charity, that is wanting in the world.”
Source: A Vindication of the Rights of Woman (1792), Ch. 4
Source: A Vindication of the Rights of Woman (1792), Ch. 3
Dedication
A Vindication of the Rights of Woman (1792)
“A modest man is steady, an humble man timid, and a vain one presumptuous.”
Source: A Vindication of the Rights of Woman (1792), Ch. 7
Source: A Vindication of the Rights of Woman (1792), Ch. 3
Source: A Vindication of the Rights of Woman (1792), Ch. 3
Source: A Vindication of the Rights of Woman (1792), Ch. 9
Source: A Vindication of the Rights of Woman (1792), Ch. 8
Source: A Vindication of the Rights of Woman (1792), Ch. 9
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A Vindication of the Rights of Woman (1792)
Source: A Vindication of the Rights of Woman (1792), Ch. 11
Source: A Vindication of the Rights of Woman (1792), Ch. 4
Source: A Vindication of the Rights of Woman (1792), Ch. 10
Context: To be a good mother — a woman must have sense, and that independence of mind which few women possess who are taught to depend entirely on their husbands. Meek wives are, in general, foolish mothers; wanting their children to love them best, and take their part, in secret, against the father, who is held up as a scarecrow.
Source: A Vindication of the Rights of Woman (1792), Ch.5
