Mary Wollstonecraft

“ In weak minds this pride degenerates into the most despicable folly; and the wise will not condescend to accept of fame at second-hand, replied Anna. We ought to be proud of our original, but we should trace it to our Heavenly Father, who breathed into us the breath of life.—We are His children when we try to resemble Him, when we are convinced that truth and goodness must constitute the very essence of the soul ”

“ Mason then observed, that of all the species of pride which carry a man out of himself, family pride was the most beneficial to society. Pride of wealth produces vanity and ostentation; but that of blood seems to inspire high notions of honour, and to banish meanness. ”

“ And those graves, which only a little stone at the head gives consequence to, are adorned every Sunday with flowers or ever-greens. We perceive, in all the various customs of men, a desire to live in the past and in the future, if I may be allowed the expression. ”