The door might not be opened to a woman again for a long, long time, and I had a kind of duty to other women to walk in and sit down on the chair that was offered, and so establish the right of others long hence and far distant in geography to sit in the high seats.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the importance of seizing opportunities for the benefit of future generations, particularly for women in positions of power.
Frances Perkins reflects on the significance of her presence and participation in a space traditionally dominated by men. She feels a sense of responsibility not only to herself but also to other women, understanding that by taking a seat at the table, she paves the way for others to do the same in the future. This act of breaking barriers is not merely for personal gain but for the collective advancement of women in society.
In practice
In a discussion about women's rights, one might quote Frances Perkins to highlight the necessity of female representation.
Out of our first century of national life we evolved the ethical principle that it was not right or just that an honest and industrious man should live and die in misery. He was entitled to some degree of sympathy and security. Our conscience declared against the honest workman's becoming a pauper, but our eyes told us that he very often did.
Our idea of what constitutes social good has advanced with the procession of the ages, from those desperate times when just to keep body and soul together was an achievement, to the great present when "good" includes an agreeable, stable civilization accessible to all, the opportunity of each to develop his particular genius and the privilege of mutual usefulness.
The people are what matter to government, and a government should aim to give all the people under its jurisdiction the best possible life.
Women can drive progress towards the central goals of mine action, which aims to increase security, rebuild communities, reclaim land and end the looming fear caused by explosive remnants of war.
I remember clearly, when I was about 4, my Aunt Linda said, 'I'm not babysitting him no more. He's bad.' It was one of the first conscious shifts I remember making. I decided, 'I'm going to be good now.'
One doesn't discover new lands without consenting to lose sight, for a very long time, of the shore.
I, for one, will join in with anyone -- I don't care what color you are -- as long as you want to change this miserable condition that exists on this earth.
For time flows on, and if it did not, it would be a bad prospect for those who do not sit at golden tables. Methods become exhausted; stimuli no longer work. New problems appear and demand new methods. Reality changes; in order to represent it, modes of representation must also change. Nothing comes from nothing; the new comes from the old, but that is why it is new.
Comrades, there is no true social revolution without the liberation of women. May my eyes never see and my feet never take me to a society where half the people are held in silence. I hear the roar of women’s silence. I sense the rumble of their storm and feel the fury of their revolt.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.