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Mary Astell
66quotes
Mary Astell
Full Name and Common Aliases
Mary Astell (1666-1731) was a renowned English philosopher, feminist, and writer of the 17th century.
Birth and Death Dates
Astell was born on November 12, 1666, in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, and passed away on August 11, 1731, at the age of 64.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Mary Astell was an English philosopher, writer, and feminist. She is considered one of the first professional female writers in the English-speaking world.
Early Life and Background
Astell's early life was marked by tragedy when her mother died shortly after giving birth to her. This event had a profound impact on Astell's upbringing and shaped her perspective on women's roles in society. She received a decent education, which was rare for women at the time, and developed a passion for literature and philosophy.
Major Accomplishments
Astell is best known for being one of the first English philosophers to argue that women should have equal rights with men. In her most famous work, "A Serious Proposal to the Ladies" (1694-1697), she challenged the social norms of her time by advocating for women's education and independence.
Notable Works or Actions
Some of Astell's notable works include:
"A Serious Proposal to the Ladies" (1694-1697): A two-part essay that outlined a plan for establishing schools where women could receive an education equal to that of men.
"Some Reflections Upon Marriage" (1700): A satirical critique of marriage and the roles assigned to women within it.
Astell's work was not without controversy. She faced criticism from both men and women who saw her ideas as radical or impractical.
Impact and Legacy
Despite facing opposition, Astell's ideas had a significant impact on the development of feminist thought in the 18th century. Her advocacy for women's education and independence paved the way for later feminists like Mary Wollstonecraft and Simone de Beauvoir.
Astell's legacy extends beyond her writing, as she helped to challenge societal norms and inspire future generations of women to speak out against inequality.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Mary Astell is widely quoted and remembered today because of her pioneering work in feminist philosophy. Her advocacy for women's education and independence continues to resonate with readers around the world, making her one of the most important figures in the history of feminism.
Quotes by Mary Astell
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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.'
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The Relation we bear to the Wisdom of the Father, the Son of His Love, gives us indeed a dignity which otherwise we have no pretence to. It makes us something, something considerable even in God’s Eyes.
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Tis very great pity that they who are so apt to over-rate themselves in smaller matters, shou’d, where it most concerns them to know, and stand upon their Value, be so insensible of their own worth.
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We all agree that its fit to be as Happy as we can, and we need no Instructor to teach us this Knowledge, ’tis born with us, and is inseparable from our Being, but we very much need to be Inform’d what is the true Way to Happiness.
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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?
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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.
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A husband is indeed thought by both sexes so very valuable, that scarce a man who can keep himself clean and make a bow, but thinks he is good enough to pretend to any woman...
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None of God’s Creatures absolutely consider’d are in their own Nature Contemptible; the meanest Fly, the poorest Insect has its Use and Vertue.
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A woman indeed can’t properly be said to choose, all that is allowed her, is to refuse or accept what is offered.
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Fetters of gold are still fetters, and the softest lining can never make them so easy as liberty.
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