Character Quote by Mary Wollstonecraft
“In fact, it is a farce to call any being virtuous whose virtues do not result from the exercise of its own reason.”
About This Quote
Source Book: A Vindication of the Rights of Woman, 1792
Virtue must stem from rational self‑governance, not external labels; true moral worth arises when reason guides actions.
In simple terms: Virtue comes from using one's own reason.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate independent reasoning.
Themes
ethics
reason
virtue
Mood
reflective
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- personal development
- education
- leadership
- moral decision making
Key Concepts
autonomy
rationalism
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you ensure your reasoning aligns with compassion?
- What role does community play in shaping virtue?
A Different Perspective
Reason alone may be insufficient without empathy or social context.
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![“I wish to show that elegance is inferior to virtue, that the first object of laudable ambition is to obtain a character as a human being, regardless of the distinction of sex [...]” quote by Mary Wollstonecraft](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/445/mary-wollstonecraft-1568_beauty_i-wish-to-show-that-elegance-is-inferior_130145.jpg)
