Quote#Freedom
Opinions are not to be learned by rote, like the letters of an…
Quote byFrances Wright · 1795–1852
Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: A Course of Popular Lectures (1829), Lecture VI: Formation of Opinions.
English (original)
Opinions are not to be learned by rote, like the letters of an alphabet, or the words of a dictionary. They are conclusions to be formed, and formed by each individual in the sacred and free citadel of the mind, and there enshrined beyond the arm of law to reach, or force to shake; ay! and beyond the right of impertinent curiosity to violate, or presumptuous arrogance to threaten.
— Frances Wright
More from Frances Wright
The Virginians are said to pride themselves upon the peculiar tenderness with which they visit the sceptre of authority on their African vassals.
To give liberty to a slave before he understands its value is, perhaps, rather to impose a penalty than to bestow a blessing; but it is not clear to me that the southern planters are duly exerting themselves to prepare the way for that …
Another revolution! Naples free and all of Italy in insurrection! How wonderful has been the march of the human mind in these last thirty years … so may it be till the last link of the chains of slavery is broken and the banner of freedom …
Is not an hereditary nobility inconsistent with liberty? I will ask more, is it not inconsistent with public virtue?
If imperfect in any or all of its parts, it bears within it a perfect principle — the principle of improvement. And, let us observe, that this principle is all that we can ever know of perfection. Knowledge, and all the blessings which …
I dare say you marvel sometimes at my independent way of walking through the world just as if nature had made me of your sex instead of poor Eve's. Trust me, my beloved friend, the mind has no sex but what habit and education give it, and …