But, alas! what poor Woman is ever taught that she should have a higher Design than to get her a Husband?
Mary AstellRead
How can a Man respect his Wife when he has a contemptible Opinion of her and her Sex?
Interpretation
What this quote means
Respect in marriage is fundamental and cannot coexist with negative views.
Mary Astell's quote emphasizes the importance of respect within a marriage, suggesting that a man cannot truly respect his wife if he holds a low opinion of her or women in general. It highlights the detrimental effects of misogyny on relationships, pointing out that mutual respect is essential for a healthy partnership.
Themes
RespectMarriageWomenOpinionsRelationships
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could serve as a poignant reminder during a discussion on gender equality.
More from Mary Astell
All quotes βHitherto 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.
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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