Atheism Quote by Mary Wollstonecraft
“Man preys on man; and you mourn for the idle tapestry that decorated a gothic pillar, and the dronish bell that summoned the fat priest to prayer. You mourn for the empty pageant of a name, when slavery flaps her wing, ... Why is our fancy to be appalled by terrific perspectives of a hell beyond the grave? - Hell stalks abroad; - the lash resounds on the slave's naked sides; and the sick wretch, who can no longer earn the sour bread of unremitting labour, steals to a ditch to bid the world a long good night.”
About This Quote
The passage condemns societal exploitation and the glorification of suffering, urging recognition of the dehumanizing effects of oppression and the false allure of martyrdom.
In simple terms: Critique of oppression and false heroism
Key Takeaway
Expose and exploitation
Themes
oppression
mortality
religion
social critique
human dignity
Mood
somber
defiant
reflective
Type
philosophical
political
poetic
When to use this quote
- witnessing systemic abuse
- reflecting on religious hypocrisy
- contemplating the cost of labor exploitation
- observing the commodification of suffering
- questioning glorified martyrdom
Key Concepts
power dynamics
sacrifice
illusion
suffering
Practical Applications
- social reform advocacy
- ethical literature analysis
Questions to Reflect On
- What mechanisms sustain the acceptance of suffering as noble?
- How can societies reframe narratives that glorify oppression?
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