"It appears necessary to go back to first principles in search of the most simple truths, and to dispute with some prevailing prejudice every inch of ground."- Mary Wollstonecraft
When I am reading these basic texts, I am always amused by how people literally changed the world, in every sense, not with power, force, or money, but rather with words and wisdom. Hence, this is the most significant and appreciable power. I think that the above quote is a perfect summary of what they did; refuting everything they/we knew, and start from scratch. This seems to be the only way to see light with a clear mind.
Often when I argue with people about religion (if you never had an in length conversation with me - this is basically all I argue about...) I find this to be a major obstacle. It is naturally hard, and almost impossible for a human mind, to reject everything we know, and start from scratch. Sometimes society will label you right away, and sometimes we are paranoid from ourselves. Either way, this is the only way to enlighten ourselves and the world. By doing so it is mind boggling to see how much we can achieve. As Wollstonecraft writes, "Intellect will always govern."
We need more writers and minds like that. And on top of that we need to keep an open eye to make sure we are not shutting them down.
More reflections on her work might follow.
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