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Till society is very differently constituted, parents, I…

“Till society is very differently constituted, parents, I fear, will still insist on being obeyed because they will be obeyed, and constantly endeavor to settle that power on a divine right which will not bear the investigation of reason.” quote by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley
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“Till society is very differently constituted, parents, I fear, will still insist on being obeyed because they will be obeyed, and constantly endeavor to settle that power on a divine right which will not bear the investigation of reason.”

Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Parents may claim authority based on tradition, but reason challenges the idea of unquestioned obedience.

In simple terms: Traditional authority is questioned by rational thought.

Key Takeaway

Question inherited power structures.

Themes

authority reason family dynamics

Mood

critical thoughtful

Type

philosophical political

When to use this quote

  • family discussions
  • education reform
  • legal debates

Key Concepts

social contract philosophical critique

Questions to Reflect On

  • What reasons justify obedience?
  • How can reason reshape family hierarchies?
A Different Perspective

Cultural norms often resist change.

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