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.
My position is the lack of a position, but, of course, you can't even talk about it; the minute you talk, you spoil the whole game.
I have never thought, for my part, that man's freedom consists in his being able to do whatever he wills, but that he should not, by any human power, be forced to do what is against his will.
Nobody would stay interested in me if I was normal
If it is true that there is always more than one way of construing a text, it is not true that all interpretations are equal.
Small rooms or dwellings discipline the mind, large ones weaken it.
Faith is the function of the heart.
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