Mary Wollstonecraft

I do earnestly wish to see the distinction of sex confounded in society, unless where love animates the behaviour.

I love man as my fellow; but his scepter, real, or usurped, extends not to me, unless the reason of an individual demands my homage.

I do not wish them [women] to have power over men; but over themselves.

The being cannot be termed rational or virtuous, who obeys any authority, but that of reason.

Women are told from their infancy, and taught by the example of their mothers, that a little knowledge of human weakness, justly termed cunning, softness of temper, outward obedience, and a scrupulous attention to a puerile kind of propriety, will obtain for them the protection of man.

Taught from their infancy that beauty is woman's scepter, the mind shapes itself to the body, and roaming round its gilt cage, only seeks to adorn its prison.

I love to love and be loved, and would not live a life of barren emotions.

I really go further, and insinuate that mankind will not be civilized till woman, in her present state of dependence, shall be excluded from governing, as well as being excluded from property.

Strengthen the female mind by enlarging it, and there will be an end to blind obedience.

I earnestly wish to point out in what true dignity and human happiness consists. I wish to persuade women to endeavor to acquire strength, both of mind and body.

It is justice, not charity, that is wanting in the world.

Let woman share the rights, and she will emulate the virtues of man.