Frances Wright

Date of Birth: September 6, 1795

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Date of Death: December 13, 1852

Biography

Frances Wright, also known as Fanny Wright, was a Scottish-born writer, lecturer, social reformer, and early feminist. Born on September 6, 1795, in Dundee, Scotland, she was best known for her work advocating for women’s rights, the abolition of slavery, and educational reform. Wright moved to the United States in 1824, where she became a naturalized citizen and continued her advocacy work. She founded the Nashoba Commune in Tennessee, an experimental project aimed at preparing slaves for eventual emancipation. Wright’s progressive views and outspoken nature made her a controversial figure in her time, but she remained dedicated to her causes until her death. She passed away on December 13, 1852, in Cincinnati, Ohio.

5 Interesting Facts about Frances Wright

1. Frances Wright was one of the first women in the United States to speak publicly against slavery.

2. She published her first book, “A Few Days in Athens,” in 1822, which was a philosophical dialogue espousing Epicurean ideals.

3. Wright was a co-founder of the Free Inquirer, a newspaper that promoted secularism and social reform.

4. She was a close friend and collaborator with fellow reformer Robert Owen, founder of the utopian community New Harmony.

5. Wright’s Nashoba Commune ultimately failed, but it was one of the earliest attempts at a multiracial communal living experiment in the United States.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Frances Wright

1. “Equality is the soul of liberty; there is, in fact, no liberty without it.”

2. “The best religion the world can have is the religion of common sense.”

3. “The existing principle of selfish interest and competition is the most direct and efficient cause of the various forms of social misery.”

4. “If the human mind is to be free from the shackles of prejudice, it must be enlightened.”

5. “Ignorance and error are the sources of fear; knowledge and truth are the antidotes.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Frances Wright did not accumulate significant wealth during her lifetime. Her highest net worth is not documented, but her wealth was modest, primarily derived from her writings and lectures.