QUOTE : Since I first gained the use of reason my inclination toward learning has been so violent and strong that neither the scoldings of other people...nor my own reflections...have been able to stop me from following this natural impulse that God gave me. He alone must know why; and He knows too that I have begged Him to take away the light of my understanding, leaving only enough for me to keep His law, for anything else is excessive in a woman, according to some people. And others say it is even harmful.