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Women are told from their infancy, and taught by the…

“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.” quote by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley
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“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 Shelley

About This Quote

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

The passage argues that women are taught to be modest and obedient, believing that such traits will protect them, but this limits their agency.

In simple terms: Women are conditioned to be obedient, thinking it offers safety.

Key Takeaway

Challenge obedience and seek genuine empowerment.

Themes

gender education power dynamics social conditioning

Mood

critical hopeful

Type

feminist philosophical

When to use this quote

  • parenting
  • education reform
  • workplace policies
  • personal development

Key Concepts

feminism psychology cultural norms

Questions to Reflect On

  • What alternatives to obedience can women pursue?
  • How can societies value strength over compliance?
A Different Perspective

It may oversimplify complex gender relations and ignore individual agency.

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