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?
Interpretation
This quote challenges the notion of female inferiority by questioning the basis of such beliefs.
Ernestine Rose emphasizes that the idea of women's inferiority is rooted in harmful lies, questioning the validity of this belief by pointing out that, given equal opportunities, women are equally capable as men. The quote serves as a powerful call to reject societal norms that deem women as lesser, urging society to recognize and foster their potential.
In practice
This quote can be used in a speech about women's rights to emphasize gender equality.
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.
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?
Books and opinions, no matter from whom they came, if they are in opposition to human rights, are nothing but dead letters.
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.
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.
Slavery and freedom cannot exist together.
This city is dying of rabies. Is the best I can do to wipe random flecks of foam from its lips?
Challenging the integrity of the non-proliferation regime is a matter which can affect international peace and security.
To pin your hopes upon the future is to consign those hopes to a hypothesis, which is to say, a nothingness. Here and now is what we must contend with.
I support all people on earth who have bodies like and unlike my body.
There is an ever-widening gap between what science allows and what we should actually do. There are many doors science can open that should be kept closed, on prudential or ethical grounds.
I am the fool in this story, and no rebel shall hurl me from my throne.
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