But, alas! what poor Woman is ever taught that she should have a higher Design than to get her a Husband?
Mary AstellRead
Hitherto I have courted Truth with a kind of Romantick Passion, in spite of all Difficulties and Discouragements: for knowledge is thought so unnecessary an Accomplishment for a Woman, that few will give themselves the Trouble to assist us in the Attainment of it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote expresses the challenges women face in pursuing knowledge due to societal norms.
Mary Astell reflects on her passionate pursuit of truth and knowledge, highlighting the societal obstacles women encounter in their quest for education. She emphasizes that knowledge is often deemed unnecessary for women, which leads to a lack of support and encouragement from others, thereby complicating their journey towards intellectual empowerment.
Themes
TruthKnowledgeWomenEducationObstacles
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech advocating for women's education rights, this quote can illustrate the historical challenges women have faced.
More from Mary Astell
All quotes →How can a Man respect his Wife when he has a contemptible Opinion of her and her Sex?
Mary AstellRead
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 AstellRead
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 AstellRead
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