Harriet Martineau — English Writer born on June 12, 1802, died on June 27, 1876

Harriet Martineau was an English social theorist and Whig writer, often cited as the first female sociologist... (wikipedia)

It is my deliberate opinion that the one essential requisite of human welfare in all ways is scientific knowledge of human nature.
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.
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.
The progression of emancipation of any class usually, if not always, takes place through the efforts of individuals of that class.
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.