"Cautious, careful, prudent, do nothing cause fear will preserve more than courage has won."
This quote emphasizes the value of caution and prudence over bold action, implying that avoiding risk may lead to preserving more than what can be achieved through courage. Susan B. Anthony suggests here that fear is a powerful motivator for maintaining the status quo, which in some contexts might be protective, helping us avoid unnecessary risks or danger. However, this should not prevent us from making necessary changes or taking calculated risks when needed to achieve our goals. The balance between fear and courage remains an essential aspect of decision-making and personal growth.
"I distrust those people who know so well what God wants them to do, because I notice it always coincides with their own desires."
This quote suggests that Susan B. Anthony was wary of individuals who claim absolute knowledge about God's will, particularly when such beliefs align with their personal desires. She implies that such people may be self-serving or manipulative in using religious convictions to justify their actions, as the apparent alignment of their goals with divine intentions can provide a veneer of moral righteousness. The quote highlights the importance of introspection and critical thinking when examining one's motivations and interpreting religious beliefs.
"It was we, the people; not we, the white male citizens; nor yet we, the male citizens; but we, the whole people, who formed the Union."
This quote by Susan B. Anthony emphasizes that the formation of the United States of America was a collective effort of all its people, not just white males or men in general. She advocated for the inclusion of women and everyone else in the democratic process, asserting their essential role in shaping the nation's identity and future. This quote reflects her determination to ensure equal rights and representation for all citizens, regardless of gender, race, or social status.
"No man is good enough to govern any woman without her consent."
This quote by Susan B. Anthony emphasizes that no man should hold political or governing power over a woman without her explicit agreement or consent. It reinforces the idea of gender equality, suggesting that women have the right to self-determination and autonomy in matters related to governance, just as men do. The quote also underscores the importance of recognizing and respecting the agency of all individuals in democratic societies, regardless of their gender.
"Persons may be and often are, more devoted to their interests than to justice, but a general incorruptibility in the administration of government would be more consonant with true republicanism."
This quote by Susan B. Anthony emphasizes that individuals can sometimes prioritize personal gain over justice, but for a truly democratic society, public officials should strive for uncompromising integrity in their duties. She suggests that the ideal of a genuine republic lies in government officials who put justice first and remain honest and incorruptible in their administration.
It was we, the people; not we, the white male citizens; nor yet we, the male citizens; but we, the whole people, who formed the Union. And we formed it, not to give the blessings of liberty, but to secure them; not to the half of ourselves and the half of our posterity, but to the whole people - women as well as men.
- Susan B. Anthony
No one can doubt that the sufferings of the sober, virtuous woman, in legal subjection to the mastership of a drunken, immoral husband and father over herself and children, not only from physical abuse, but from spiritual shame and humiliation, must be such as the man himself can not possibly comprehend.
- Susan B. Anthony
Are you going to cater to the whims and prejudices of people? We draw out from other people our own thought. If, when you go out to organize, you go with a broad spirit, you will create and call out breadth and toleration. You had better organize one woman on a broad platform than 10,000 on a narrow platform of intolerance and bigotry.
- Susan B. Anthony
An oligarchy of race, where the Saxon rules the African, might be endured; but this oligarchy of sex which makes father, brothers, husband, sons, the oligarchs over the mother and sisters, the wife and daughters of every household... carries discord and rebellion into every home of the nation.
- Susan B. Anthony
If women will not accept marriage with subjection, nor men proffer it without, there is, there can be, no alternative. The women who will not be ruled must live without marriage. And during this transition period... single women make comfortable and attractive homes for themselves.
- Susan B. Anthony
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