The truly independent woman

"I have spoken of an independent mind as it discovers itself  in forming and holding fast its own opinions. Let me add, that it is not less conspicuous in reducing principles to practice; in other words, in steadily persevering in what we believe to be duty. It irequires far less strength of purpose to avow good principles, even in times of trial, than practically to exhibit those princibiples in an unyeilding course of action. But as principles are nothing without practice, so it is the noblest ofice of genuine independence, to carry the mind forward in a course of action corresponding with its own convictions; to keep the hands nerved for effort when there may be a thousand pleas for relaxing exertion; and to give to this activity that direction only which conscience approves, when the strongest temptations offer themselves to an opposite course. You may dream of your own independence as much as you please, but unless it be of this practical kind which influences conduct as well as opinions, and which is carried out into all the departments of human duty, you have much reason to believe that neither you nor the world will be the better for your having possessed it....

"...As the most effectual means of making the attainment to which I have been urging you, let me counsel you to cherish a deep sense of the constant presence of God, and of your accountableness to him for every part of your conduct. An habitual impression of this kind will make you comparatively  indifferent, both to the censures and applauses of mortals, and will lead you to regard every other question as unimportant, in comparison with the simple question of duty."

From Letters on Practical Subjects to a Daughter, William B. Sprague