It was the secrets of heaven and earth that I desired to learn; and whether it was the outward substance of things or the inner spirit of nature and the mysterious soul of man that occupied me, still my inquiries were directed to the metaphysical, or in its highest sense, the physical secrets of the world.
Mary Wollstonecraft ShelleyNone but those who have experienced them can conceive of the enticements of science.
Mary Wollstonecraft ShelleyThe agony of my feelings allowed me no respite; no incident occurred from which my rage and misery could not extract its food.
Mary Wollstonecraft ShelleyAh! it is well for the unfortunate to be resigned, but for the guilty there is no peace.
Mary Wollstonecraft ShelleyWhy did I not die? More miserable than man ever was before, why did I not sink into forgetfulness and rest? Death snatches away many blooming children, the only hopes of their doting parents: how many brides and youthful lovers have been one day in the bloom of health and hope, and the next a prey for worms and the decay of the tomb! Of what materials was I made, that I could thus resist so many shocks, which, like the turning of the wheel, continually renewed the torture? But I was doomed to live.
Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley