The main cause is a pernicious falsehood propagated against her being, namely that she is inferior by her nature. Inferior in what? What has man ever done that woman, under the same advantages could not do?
Ernestine RoseRead
For here lies the corner stone of all the injustices done woman, the wrong idea from which all other wrongs proceed. She is not acknowledged as mistress of herself. For her cradle to her grave she is another's. We do indeed need and demand the other rights of which I have spoken, but let us first obtain OURSELVES.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote highlights the importance of self-ownership and autonomy for women as a fundamental issue of justice.
Ernestine Rose emphasizes that the core injustice faced by women arises from the lack of acknowledgement of their autonomy and self-ownership. She argues that to address all other injustices, it is essential for women to first claim their identity and rights, asserting that true liberation and equality begin with recognizing women as the rightful owners of their own lives.
Themes
WomenAutonomyInjusticeRightsEmpowerment
In practice
Example use cases
In a women's rights rally, this quote could be used to inspire the crowd.
More from Ernestine Rose
All quotes →Again, I shall be told that the law presumes the husband to be kind, affectionate, and ready to provide for and protect his wife. But what right, I ask, has the law to presume at all on the subject?
Ernestine RoseRead
Books and opinions, no matter from whom they came, if they are in opposition to human rights, are nothing but dead letters.
Ernestine RoseRead
It is high time to compel man by the might of right to give woman her political, legal and social rights. She will find her own sphere in accordance with her capacities, powers and tastes; and yet she will be woman still.
Ernestine RoseRead
All that I can tell you is, that I used my humble powers to the uttermost, and raised my voice in behalf of Human Rights in general, and the elevation and Rights of Woman in particular, nearly all my life.
Ernestine RoseRead
Slavery and freedom cannot exist together.
Ernestine RoseRead
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