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By this false politeness, sincerity is sacrificed, and truth violated; and thus artificial manners are necessarily taught. For true politeness is a polish, not a varnish; and should rather be acquired by observation than admonition.

— Mary Wollstonecraft

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More quotes by Mary Wollstonecraft

Till women are more rationally educated, the progress in human virtue and improvement in knowledge must receive continual checks.

A Vindication of the Rights of Woman (1792)

It is justice, not charity, that is wanting in the world.

A Vindication of the Rights of Woman (1792)

Surely something resides in this heart that is not perishable, and life is more than a dream.

Letters Written in Sweden (1796)

I am persuaded that even the most spontaneous sensations are more under the direction of principle than weak people are willing to allow.

Letters Written in Sweden (1796)

Executions, far from being useful examples to the survivors, have, I am persuaded, a quite contrary effect, by hardening the heart they ought to terrify.

Letters Written in Sweden (1796)

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Quote text and notes from Wikiquote: Mary Wollstonecraft (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Source quality and labels are our own summary of what Wikiquote records.