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Children Quote by Mary Wollstonecraft

“My own sex, I hope, will excuse me, if I treat them like rational creatures, instead of flattering their fascinating graces, and viewing them as if they were in a state of perpetual childhood, unable to stand alone. I earnestly wish to point out in what true dignity and human happiness consists…” quote by Mary Wollstonecraft
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““My own sex, I hope, will excuse me, if I treat them like rational creatures, instead of flattering their fascinating graces, and viewing them as if they were in a state of perpetual childhood, unable to stand alone. I earnestly wish to point out in what true dignity and human happiness consists - I wish to persuade women to endeavour to acquire strength, both mind and body, and to convince them that the soft phrases, susceptibility of heart, delicacy of sentiment, and refinement of taste, are almost synonymous with epithets of weakness, and that those beings who are only objects of pity and that kind of love, which has been termed its sister, will soon become objects of contempt.””

Mary Wollstonecraft

About This Quote

Source Book: A Vindication of the Rights of Woman, 1792

She argues women should be treated as rational beings, not infantilized, and encouraged to develop mental and physical strength for true dignity and happiness.

In simple terms: Treat women as rational, strong individuals.

Key Takeaway

Promote women’s education and empowerment.

Themes

gender equality human rights education empowerment

Mood

determined hopeful

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • school curricula
  • workplace policies
  • personal development
  • public discourse

Key Concepts

feminism rationalism strength

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can education reshape perceptions of women’s capabilities?
  • What barriers prevent women from accessing strength training?
A Different Perspective

Societal norms often resist changing gender roles.

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