The work of woman is not to lessen the severity or the certainty of the penalty for the violation of the moral law, but to prevent this violation by the removal of the causes which lead to it.
Women, we might as well be dogs baying the moon as petitioners without the right to vote!
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the frustration and powerlessness women felt without the right to vote, comparing their situation to that of dogs howling at the moon, which is futile.
Susan B. Anthony's quote highlights the desperate and powerless situation of women who fought for voting rights in a society that denied them a fundamental voice in governance. By likening their plight to that of 'dogs baying at the moon', she vividly illustrates the futility and despair of petitioning for rights that were not granted. This powerful metaphor reflects the broader struggle for equality and the necessity of suffrage as a means of empowerment.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
Use this quote in a speech advocating for women's rights at a rally.
More from Susan B. Anthony
All quotes βThe only question left to be settled now is: Are women persons? And I hardly believe any of our opponents will have the hardihood to say they are not.
I have given my life and all I am to it, and now I want my last act to be to give it all I have, to the last cent.
The day will come when men will recognize woman as his peer, not only at the fireside, but in councils of the nation. Then, and not until then, will there be the perfect comradeship, the ideal union between the sexes that shall result in the highest development of the race.
Sooner or later we all discover that the important moments in life are not the advertised ones, not the birthdays, the graduations, the weddings, not the great goals achieved. The real milestones are less prepossessing. They come to the door of memory unannounced, stray dogs that amble in, sniff around a bit and simply never leave. Our lives are measured by these.
We ask justice, we ask equality, we ask that all the civil and political rights that belong to citizens of the United States, be guaranteed to us and our daughters forever.
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