Children Quote by Mary Wollstonecraft
“To be a good mother, a woman must have sense, and that independence of mind which few women possess who are taught to depend entirely on their husbands. Meek wives are, in general, foolish mothers; wanting their children to love them best, and take their part, in secret, against the father, who is held up as a scarecrow.”
About This Quote
Source Book: A Vindication of the Rights of Woman, 1792
A good mother needs intellect and independence, not just reliance on a husband, because meekness leads to poor parenting.
In simple terms: Mothers need mind and independence.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate self‑reliance.
Themes
parenting
independence
gender roles
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
social
When to use this quote
- family dynamics
- marriage counseling
- parenting workshops
- women’s education
Key Concepts
feminism
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How does dependence affect parenting?
- What can support women’s independence?
A Different Perspective
May overlook structural constraints on women’s autonomy.
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