"Children, I grant, should be innocent; but when the epithet is applied to men, or women, it is but a civil term for weakness"

This quote by Mary Wollstonecraft speaks with the idea that innocence is a characteristic that is frequently related to kids, however when it is applied to grownups, it is just a respectful way of saying that they are weak. Wollstonecraft is recommending that adults ought to not be viewed as innocent, but rather as strong and capable. She is implying that adults must be held to a higher standard than children, which they ought to be anticipated to take responsibility for their actions. This quote talks to the idea that adults must be held liable for their choices and actions, and that innocence is not an excuse for grownups to avoid responsibility. Wollstonecraft is suggesting that grownups need to be viewed as strong and capable, which they ought to be held to a higher requirement than kids.