Historic Humanist Series

Mary Wollstonecraft is recognized as a pioneer in the struggle for recognition of the equality of women. Born April 27, 1759, she came into this world at a time when females were in chattel slavery. During her short life, 38 years, she wrote extensively concerning the enslavement of half of the human race. She promoted the idea that women are capable of more than marriage and motherhood, that they are entitled to the same opportunities as men. Her most famous book, A Vindication of the Rights of Woman was published in 1792, just 5-years before her untimely death.

Mary's philosophy can be exemplified with this quotation: ";That being cannot be termed rational or virtuous, who obeys any authority, but reason." Much of her intellectual energy was directed toward gaining equal educational opportunities for females. Mary Wollstonecraft died March 29.1797, one month before what would have been her 38th birthday.

--Flo Winriter