No man chooses evil because it is evil; he only mistakes it for happiness, the good he seeks

No man chooses evil because it is evil; he only mistakes it for happiness, the good he seeks

Mary Wollstonecraft, an influential feminist writer and philosopher of the 18th century, believed in the inherent goodness of human nature. In her work, she often explored the idea that people do not intentionally choose evil, but rather they are misguided in their pursuit of happiness and the good they seek. This concept is reflected in her famous quote, "No man chooses evil because it is evil; he only mistakes it for happiness, the good he seeks."

Wollstonecraft believed that individuals are driven by a desire for happiness and fulfillment, and that their actions are often motivated by this pursuit. However, she also recognized that people can be easily swayed by external influences and societal norms, leading them to make choices that may ultimately be harmful or destructive. In this sense, Wollstonecraft argued that individuals are not inherently evil, but rather they are capable of making misguided decisions that can have negative consequences.

One of the key themes in Wollstonecraft's work is the importance of education and self-improvement in guiding individuals towards making more informed and ethical choices. She believed that by cultivating reason and critical thinking skills, people could better discern between what is truly good and what only appears to be good. By encouraging individuals to question societal norms and challenge traditional beliefs, Wollstonecraft sought to empower them to make choices that align with their own values and principles.