Ignorance and a narrow education lay the foundation of vice, and imitation and custom rear it up. Mary Astell More Quotes by Mary Astell More Quotes From Mary Astell God is His own Design and End, and that there is no other Worthy of Him. Mary Astell design worthy ends Although it has been said by men of more wit than wisdom, and perhaps more malice than either, that women are naturally incapable of acting prudently, or that they are necessarily determined to folly, I must by no means grant it. Mary Astell acting men mean That which has not a real excellency and value in it self, entertains no longer than the giddy Humour which recommended it to us holds. Mary Astell humour real self Women are from their very infancy debarred those advantages with the want of which they are aftewards reproached, and nursed up in those vices which will hereafter be upbraided to them. So partial are men as to expect bricks when they afford no straw. Mary Astell vices want men 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. Mary Astell husband men sex friendship is a virtue which comprehends all the rest; none being fit for this, who is not adorned with every other virtue. Mary Astell fit virtue friendship Whilst our Hearts are violently set upon any thing, there is no convincing us that we shall ever be of another Mind. Mary Astell convincing mind heart If a Woman can neither Love nor Honour, she does ill in promising to Obey. Mary Astell honour ill doe Marry for Love, an Heroick Action, which makes a mighty noise in the World, partly because of its rarity, and partly in regard of its extravagancy. Mary Astell noise action world The scum of the People are most Tyrannical when they get the Power, and treat their Betters with the greatest Insolence. Mary Astell scum treats people 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 wit distance unhappy Women are not so well united as to form an Insurrection. They are for the most part wise enough to love their Chains, and to discern how becomingly they fit. Mary Astell fit enough wise If all men are born free, how is it that all women are born slaves? Mary Astell free women born men
