Make women rational creatures, and free citizens, and they will quickly become good wives; - that is, if men do not neglect the duties of husbands and fathers.

I begin to love this little creature, and to anticipate his birth as a fresh twist to a knot which I do not wish to untie. Men are spoilt by frankness, I believe, yet I must tell you that I love you better than I supposed I did, when I promised to love you forever....I feel it thrilling through my frame, giving and promising pleasure.

At boarding schools of every description, the relaxation of the junior boys is mischief; and of the senior, vice.

True happiness must arise from well-regulated affections, and an affection includes a duty.

I think I love most people best when they are in adversity; for pity is one of my prevailing passions.

The absurd duty, too often inculcated, of obeying a parent only on account of his being a parent, shackles the mind, and prepares it for a slavish submission to any power but reason.

The being cannot be termed rational or virtuous, who obeys any authority, but that of reason.