“I do not wish them [women] to have power over men; but over themselves.”

“Strengthen the female mind by enlarging it, and there will be an end to blind obedience.”

Mary Wollstonecraft presents a bold and thought-provoking critique of the societal norms and expectations that have long been placed on women. Drawing parallels with Enlightenment thinkers like Kant and Rousseau, Wollstonecraft diverges significantly, offering a sharp and courageous argument that women’s ability to develop critical thinking and reason is stunted by the societal pressures and infantilization they face. Her critique challenges the prevailing notion that women are inherently inferior or suited only for domestic roles, advocating for intellectual and moral development that benefits both women and society as a whole.

What stood out to me most in Wollstonecraft's writing was her unflinching focus on the systemic obstacles faced by women. From the idea that women should prioritize pleasing others over pursuing their own desires to the restrictive gender roles that limit autonomy and agency, she deconstructs the ways in which society discourages women from becoming fully realized individuals. She urges women to reject passive obedience and strive for true virtue, arguing that a society in which women are empowered to reason and make independent choices is ultimately more just and equitable.

Wollstonecraft’s work remains a seminal text in feminist philosophy, continuing to inspire generations of thinkers to challenge the status quo in pursuit of gender equality and women’s rights. Her message is timeless and resonates with a modern audience, calling for both individual empowerment and collective social change.

At the end of the day, she’s just a girl. But she was clearly a girl’s girl <3