Art Quote by Mary Wortley Montagu
“Nature is indeed a specious ward, nay, there is a great deal in it if it is properly understood and applied, but I cannot bear to hear people using it to justify what common sense must disavow. Is not Nature modifed by art in many things? Was it not designed to be so? And is it not happy for human society that it is so? Would you like to see your husband let his beard grow, until he would be obliged to put the end of it in his pocket, because this beard is the gift of Nature?”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Letters of Mary Wortley Montagu, 1735–1739
The quote argues that nature is often misused to justify irrational ideas, urging proper understanding and application rather than blind reverence.
In simple terms: Nature is misused; understand it correctly.
Key Takeaway
Question nature’s role, don’t misuse it.
Themes
nature
reason
misuse
humanism
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- debates on science policy
- environmental advocacy
- education curricula
- personal health choices
Key Concepts
philosophy
ethics
natural law
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we distinguish natural law from cultural constructs?
- When is invoking nature a fallacy?
A Different Perspective
Nature cannot solve all problems; human agency matters.
![“It is 11 years since I have seen my figure in a glass [mirror]. The last reflection I saw there was so disagreeable I resolved to spare myself such mortification in the future.” quote by Mary Wortley Montagu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7f1/mary-wortley-montagu-6947_aging_it-is-11-years-since-i-have-seen-my-figu_374849.jpg)
