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
But it will be said that the husband provides for the wife, or in other words, he feeds, clothes and shelters her! I wish I had the power to make every one before me fully realize the degradation contained in that idea.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the degrading notion that a husband merely provides basic needs for his wife rather than recognizing her autonomy and equality.
Ernestine Rose's quote critiques the traditional view of marriage where a husband is seen as the sole provider, which undermines the wife's identity and worth. By emphasizing that fulfillment of basic needs does not equate to respect or equality, she calls for a deeper understanding of partnership that values both individuals as equals, rather than reducing one to a dependent role.
Themes
RelationshipsEqualityPartnershipAutonomyDegradation
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be shared during a discussion about gender equality in relationships.
More from Ernestine Rose
All quotes →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.
Ernestine RoseRead
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
Similar quotes
Our parents, our children, our spouses, and our friends will continue to press every button we have, until we realize what it is that we don't want to know about ourselves, yet. They will point us to our freedom every time.
Byron KatieRead
He makes his cook his merit, and the world visits his dinners and not him.
MoliereRead
We must love one another, yes, yes, that's all true enough, but nothing says we have to like each other. It may be the very recognition of all men as our brothers that accounts for the sibling rivalry, and even enmity, we have toward so many of them.
Peter De VriesRead
Male and female have the power to fuse into one solid, both because both are nourished in both and because soul is the same thing in all living creatures, although the body of each is different.
HippocratesRead
I've changed my ways a little, I cannot now Run with you in the evenings along the shore, Except in a kind of dream, and you, if you dream a moment, You see me there.
Robinson JeffersRead
He was well aware that of the two of three thousand times he had made love (how many times had he made love in his life?) only two or three were really essential and unforgettable. The rest were mere echoes, imitations, repetitions, or reminiscences.
Milan KunderaRead