Quotes By Mary Astell
If God had not intended that Women shou'd use their Reason, He wou'd not have given them any, 'for He does nothing in vain.'
Mary Astell
The Steps to Folly as well as Sin are gradual, and almost imperceptible, and when we are once on the Decline, we go down without taking notice on't.
Mary Astell
But, alas! what poor Woman is ever taught that she should have a higher Design than to get her a Husband?
Mary Astell
To all the rest of his Absurdities, (for vice is always unreasonable,) he adds one more, who expects that Vertue from another which he won't practise himself.
Mary Astell
To plead for the Oppress'd and to defend the Weak seem'd to me a generous undertaking; for tho' it may be secure, 'tis not always Honourable to run over to the strongest party.
Mary Astell
Every Body has so good an Opinion of their own Understanding as to think their own way the best.
Mary Astell
Unhappy is that Grandeur which makes us too great to be good; and that Wit which sets us at a distance from true Wisdom.
Mary Astell
Your glass will not do you half so much service as a serious reflection on your own minds.
Mary Astell
Ignorance and a narrow education lay the foundation of vice, and imitation and custom rear it up.
Mary Astell
We ought as much as we can to endeavour the Perfecting of our Beings, and that we be as happy as possibly we may.
Mary Astell
Women are from their very infancy debarred those Advantages with the want of which they are afterwards reproached.
Mary Astell