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We would have every arbitrary barrier thrown down. We would have every path laid open to Woman as freely as to Man. Were this done, and a slight temporary fermentation allowed to subside, we should see crystallizations more pure and of more various beauty. We believe the divine energy would pervade nature to a degree unknown in the history of former ages, and that no discordant collision, but a ravishing harmony of the spheres, would ensue. Yet, then and only then will mankind be ripe for this, when inward and outward freedom for Woman as much as for Man shall be acknowledged as a right, not yielded as a concession.

Margaret Fuller#32

GenderFreedomEqualitySocietyRights

About this quote

What does it mean?
Removing barriers for women would unleash diverse beauty and harmony, but true freedom must be recognized as a right.
In plain terms
Equality for women unlocks beauty and harmony, but must be a right.
What can you take from it?
Support women's rights as fundamental, not optional.

Where it applies

  • policy making
  • education

Putting it to work

  • advocating gender parity
  • removing discriminatory laws

Questions to consider

  • What steps ensure rights become lived reality?
  • How do you address lingering biases?

Another view

Rights alone may not instantly change deep cultural biases.

More from Margaret Fuller

  1. There exists in the minds of men a tone of feeling toward women as toward slaves.

    Permalink to quote #31
  2. Let it not be said, wherever there is energy or creative genius, 'She has a masculine mind.' This by no means argues a willing want of generosity toward Woman.…

    Permalink to quote #33
  3. Thou art greatly wise, my friend, and ever respected by me, yet I find not in your theory or your scope, room enough for the lyric inspirations, or the mysteri…

    Permalink to quote #30

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