Mary Wollstonecraft Quotes

Reason obeys itself; and ignorance submits to whatever is dictated to it.

What we call “morals” is simply blind obedience to words of command.

I am ready to obey as a child; :;but, not being a child, I think I ought to have a reason.

Void of freedom, what would virtue be?

Let us be true: this is the highest maxim of art and of life, the secret of eloquence and of virtue, and of all moral authority.

Human nature is not of itself vicious.

Fear is the mother of morality.

No one can be good for long if goodness is not in demand.

The man of virtuous soul commands not, nor obeys.

I have gained this from philosophy: that I do without being commanded what others do only from fear of the law.

Virtue without terror is powerlessness.

A man is not honest simply because he never had a chance to steal

Reason perhaps teaches certain bourgeois virtues, but it does not make either heroes or saints.

A sin is nothing but a deordination of reason, but that is enough.

There are good reasons for being obedient, but being unable to be disobedient is not one of the best reasons.

The difference between weakness and wickedness is much less than people suppose; and the consequences are nearly always the same.

If reason dominates in man, he rises higher than angels. If lust overpowers man, he descends lower than the beast.

Science is no substitute for virtue; the heart is as necessary for a good life as the head.

I believe in good, having morals, be a decent person.

Have you ever noticed that good people sleep better, but bad people seem to have more fun when they're awake?

Woman is the most moral element in all humanity.

Rationality tied to moral decency is the most powerful joint instrument for good that our planet has ever known.

Let him leave the imperial court, who wishes to be virtuous. Virtue and absolute power cannot coexist.

Reason should direct, and appetite obey.

To disparage the dictate of reason is equivalent to contemning the command of God.