In her work "A Vindication of the Rights of Woman," Mary Wollstonecraft argues that tyrants, regardless of their power or position, seek to suppress reason under the guise of being beneficial. She highlights how both weak kings and fathers attempt to control and diminish the intellect of those they govern or parent, claiming that their actions are for the greater good. This is a critique of authority and a call for rational thought over oppression.

Wollstonecraft further extends this argument to the treatment of women, asserting that by denying them civil and political rights, society confines them to ignorance within the family structure. She questions whether those who uphold such restrictions are not performing a similar role as oppressive rulers. This reflects her belief that women should have the same opportunities for enlightenment and participation in society as men, advocating for their liberation and empowerment.