What more degrades woman today than that she so often…
“What more degrades woman today than that she so often seeks marriage as a support? Why is the holy sacrament of love, the sanctity of the family state, so often prostituted and destroyed, but because marriage is entered upon as a necessity or a convenience? And what can so place marriage on its only true basis of mutual love, mutual fitness, mutual esteem, as for woman to make herself independent of it as a mere means of subsistence?”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The quote critiques the commodification of marriage, arguing that women are pressured into it for economic security rather than genuine love, and calls for relationships based on mutual respect and independence.
In simple terms: Marriage as economic necessity vs. love.
Key Takeaway
Advocate for love‑based, egalitarian unions.
Themes
gender roles
economic dependency
marriage institution
love vs. convenience
female autonomy
Mood
critical
hopeful
Type
philosophical
social critique
When to use this quote
- women seeking financial stability
- societies emphasizing traditional marriage
- individuals feeling trapped by marital expectations
Key Concepts
social expectations
power dynamics
personal freedom
Practical Applications
- relationship counseling
- policy reforms for economic equality
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies support women's independence without devaluing marriage?
- What structures can replace marriage as a safety net?