Even where the affections are not strongly moved by any superior excellence, the companions of our childhood always possess a certain power over our minds which hardly any later friend can obtain. They know our infantine dispositions, which, however they may be afterwards modified, are never eradicated; and they can judge of our actions with more certain conclusions as to the integrity of our motives.
Mary Wollstonecraft ShelleyNothing contributes so much to tranquilize the mind as a steady purpose - a point on which the soul may fix its intellectual eye.
Mary Wollstonecraft ShelleyIt would be an endless task to trace the variety of meannesses, cares, and sorrows into which women are plunged by the prevailing opinion that they were created rather to feel than reason.
Mary Wollstonecraft Shelleythe sentiment of immediate loss in some sort decayed, while that of utter, irremediable loneliness grew on me with time.
Mary Wollstonecraft ShelleyOnce a king ... it was impossible, without risk of life, to sink to a private station.
Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley