18+ Juana Inés de la Cruz Quotes (Intellectual, Feminist And Innovative)

Juana Inés de la Cruz was a Mexican poet, scholar, and nun who lived during the 17th century. She was a prolific writer, producing poetry, plays, and philosophical works. Her works were highly acclaimed during her lifetime, and she is now considered one of the most important figures in Mexican literature.

I don't study to know more, but to ignore less. — Juana Inés de la Cruz

Everything that you receive is not measured according to its actual size, but, rather that of the receiving vessel. — Juana Inés de la Cruz

One can perfectly well philosophize while cooking supper. — Juana Inés de la Cruz

But, lady, as women, what wisdom may be ours if not the philosophies of the kitchen? Lupercio Leonardo spoke well when he said: 'how well one may philosophize when preparing dinner.' And I often say, when observing these trivial details: had Aristotle prepared vituals [sic], he would have written more. — Juana Inés de la Cruz

I believed, when I entered this convent, I was escaping from myself, but alas, poor me, I brought myself with me! — Juana Inés de la Cruz

Must I dwell in slavery's night And all pleasure take its flight Far beyond my feeble sight, Forever? — Juana Inés de la Cruz

Who has forbidden women to engage in private and individual studies? Have they not a rational soul as men do?...I have this inclination to study and if it is evil I am not the one who formed me thus - I was born with it and with it I shall die. — Juana Inés de la Cruz

... privation is the source of appetite. — Juana Inés de la Cruz

Rare is he who will concede genius. — Juana Inés de la Cruz

The greater evil who is in- When both in wayward paths are straying? The poor sinner for the pain Or he who pays for the sin? — Juana Inés de la Cruz

In loss itself I find assuagement: having lost the treasure, I've nothing to fear. — Juana Inés de la Cruz

Aristotle could have known so much more if he cooked. — Juana Inés de la Cruz

O who is more to blame: He who sins for pay - Or he who pays for sin? — Juana Inés de la Cruz

As love is union, it knows no extremes of distance. — Juana Inés de la Cruz

And what shall I tell you, lady, of the natural secrets I have discovered while cooking? And I often say, when observing these details: had Aristotle prepared victuals, he would have written more. — Juana Inés de la Cruz

In my opinion, better far it be To destroy vanity within my life Than to destroy my life in vanity. — Juana Inés de la Cruz

One will abide, and will confess that another is nobler than he, that another is richer, more handsome, and even that he is more learned, but that another is richer in reason scarcely any will confess: Rare is he who will concede genius. — Juana Inés de la Cruz

I walk beneath your pens, and am not what I truly am, but what you'd prefer to imagine me. — Juana Inés de la Cruz

Life Lessons by Juana Inés de la Cruz

1. Juana Inés de la Cruz's work emphasizes the importance of education, advocating for women's access to knowledge and education.
2. She also challenges traditional gender roles and expectations, inspiring women to be independent, strong, and to pursue their own dreams.
3. Her work serves as an example of how to use creativity and intelligence to challenge oppressive systems and to create a more equitable society.