Mary Astell Men Quotations

If all men are born free, how is it that all women are born slaves?

None of us whether Men or Women but have so good an Opinion of our own Conduct as to believe we are fit, if not to direct others, at least to govern our selves.

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.

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

That Man indeed can never be good at heart, who is full of himself and his own Endowments.

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 ...

For my part I think the Learned, and Unlearned Blockhead pretty equal; for 'tis all one to me, whether a Man talk Nonsense, or unintelligible Sense, I am diverted and edified alike by either; the one enjoys himself less, but suffers his Friends to do it more; the other enjoys himself and his own Humour enough, but will let no body else do it in his Company.

If none were to Marry, but Men of strict Vertue and Honour, I doubt the World would be but thinly peopled.

How can a Man respect his Wife when he has a contemptible Opinion of her and her Sex?