Mary Astell Quotes

“How can you be content to be in the world like tulips in a garden, to make a fine show, and be good for nothing.”

“If all men are born free, why is it that all women are born slaves?”

“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.”

“Ignorance and a narrow education lay the foundation of vice, and imitation and custom rear it up.”

“The span of life is too short to be trifled away in unconcerning and unprofitable matters.”

“Truth is strong, and sometime or other will prevail.”

“Your glass will not do you half so much service as a serious reflection on your own minds.”

“A woman indeed can't properly be said to choose, all that is allowed her, is to refuse or accept what is offered.”

“Why is Slavery so much condemn'd and strove against in one Case, and so highly applauded and held so necessary and so sacred in another?”