325 Quotes by Mary Shelley

She was no longer that happy creature who in earlier youth wandered with me on the banks of the lake and talked with ecstasy of our future prospects. The first of those sorrows which are sent to wean us from the earth had visited her, and its dimming influence quenched her dearest smiles.

Why, all his virtues are derived from his station only; because he is rich, he is called generous; because he is powerful, brave.

I felt convinced that however it might have been in former times, in the present stage of the world, no man’s faculties could be developed, no man’s moral principle be enlarged and liberal, without an extensive acquaintance with books.

I saw the dull yellow eye of the creature open; it breathed hard, and a convulsive motion agitated its limbs.

Like Adam, I was created apparently united by no link to any other being in existence; but his state was far different from mine in every other respect.

What is there in our nature that is for ever urging us on towards pain and misery? We are not formed for enjoyment; and, however we may be attuned to the reception of pleasureable emotion, disappointment is the never-failing pilot of our life’s bark, and ruthlessly carries us on to the shoals.

I have but one passion ; it swallows up every other ; it dwells with my darling books, and is fed by the treasures of beauty and wisdom which they contain.

I do not wish women to have power over men; but over themselves.

A king is always a king - and a woman always a woman: his authority and her sex ever stand between them and rational converse.