Harriet Martineau Quotes

A collection of quotes by Harriet Martineau.

Harriet Martineau was born on June 12, 1802, in Norwich, England. She was a prominent British social theorist, philosopher, and writer, known for her contributions to various fields such as sociology, economics, and feminism. Martineau's work played a significant role in shaping 19th-century social theory.

Despite being deaf from an early age, Martineau embarked on a successful writing career. She began her literary journey with fiction, publishing novels like "Deerbrook" (1839) and "The Hour and the Man" (1840). However, Martineau gained widespread recognition for her non-fiction works, particularly her comprehensive "Illustrations of Political Economy" series. This collection of fictional tales served as a means to convey complex economic theories to a wider audience, making her an influential figure in economic sociology.

Martineau was also renowned for her groundbreaking book "Society in America" (1837). Considered as one of the first systematic sociological analyses, it brought attention to social issues such as slavery, women's rights, and racism in American society.

Throughout her career, Harriet Martineau was a vocal advocate for social justice and equality. She championed numerous causes, including women's suffrage and the abolition of slavery. Her strong political viewpoints and brilliant writing skills made her an influential figure in the Victorian era.

Harriet Martineau passed away on June 27, 1876, leaving behind a rich legacy as one of the pioneering figures in the field of sociology and a prominent voice for social reform.

There have been few things in my life which have had a more

There have been few things in my life which have had a more genial effect on my mind than the possession of a piece of land.

Harriet Martineau

It is my deliberate opinion that the one essential requisite

It is my deliberate opinion that the one essential requisite of human welfare in all ways is scientific knowledge of human nature.

Harriet Martineau

Readers are plentiful: thinkers are rare.

Readers are plentiful: thinkers are rare.

Harriet Martineau

Religion is a temper, not a pursuit.

Religion is a temper, not a pursuit.

Harriet Martineau

But is it not the fact that religion emanates from the natur

But is it not the fact that religion emanates from the nature, from the moral state of the individual? Is it not therefore true that unless the nature be completely exercised, the moral state harmonized, the religion cannot be healthy?

Harriet Martineau

For my own part, I had rather suffer any inconvenience from

For my own part, I had rather suffer any inconvenience from having to work occasionally in chambers and kitchen... than witness the subservience in which the menial class is held in Europe.

Harriet Martineau

Fidelity to conscience is inconsistent with retiring modesty

Fidelity to conscience is inconsistent with retiring modesty. If it be so, let the modesty succumb. It can be only a false modesty which can be thus endangered.

Harriet Martineau

Laws and customs may be creative of vice; and should be ther

Laws and customs may be creative of vice; and should be therefore perpetually under process of observation and correction: but laws and customs cannot be creative of virtue: they may encourage and help to preserve it; but they cannot originate it.

Harriet Martineau

The sum and substance of female education in America, as in

The sum and substance of female education in America, as in England, is training women to consider marriage as the sole object in life, and to pretend that they do not think so.

Harriet Martineau

If there is any country on earth where the course of true lo

If there is any country on earth where the course of true love may be expected to run smooth, it is America.

Harriet Martineau

Any one must see at a glance that if men and women marry tho

Any one must see at a glance that if men and women marry those whom they do not love, they must love those whom they do not marry.

Harriet Martineau

If a test of civilization be sought, none can be so sure as

If a test of civilization be sought, none can be so sure as the condition of that half of society over which the other half has power.

Harriet Martineau

What office is there which involves more responsibility, whi

What office is there which involves more responsibility, which requires more qualifications, and which ought, therefore, to be more honorable, than that of teaching?

Harriet Martineau