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

This quote by Mary Wollstonecraft suggests that an individual can not be considered reasonable or virtuous if they are blindly following an authority without utilizing their own reason. Wollstonecraft is advocating for the use of reason and crucial thinking in order to make decisions and form viewpoints. She is suggesting that individuals should not merely accept what they are informed by an authority figure, but rather use their own judgement and reasoning to identify what is best and incorrect. Wollstonecraft is motivating individuals to believe for themselves and to not be swayed by the opinions of others. She is suggesting that people ought to be independent thinkers and not be influenced by external forces. This quote is a suggestion that we need to always use our own judgement and reason when making choices and forming viewpoints.