Antithesis Quote by John Boyle O'Reilly
“The success of the suffrage movement would injure women spiritually and intellectually, for they would be assuming a burden though they knew themselves unable to bear it. It is the sediment, not the wave, of a sex. It is the antithesis of that highest and sweetest mystery - conviction by submission, and conquest by sacrifice.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: 19th‑century suffrage advocacy, null
Advocates warn that granting women voting rights could harm their spiritual and intellectual well‑being, seeing it as a burdensome role beyond their capacity.
In simple terms: Women may be harmed by forced political duties.
Key Takeaway
Consider the impact of imposed duties on vulnerable groups.
Themes
gender
politics
rights
burden
spirituality
Mood
defensive
critical
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- political reform
- women's education
- social expectations
- mental health
Key Concepts
feminism
social hierarchy
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- Is it fair to limit rights based on perceived ability?
- How do we balance protection with empowerment?
A Different Perspective
The argument assumes women lack agency and capacity, which many contest.
![“I wrote a comedy, which hopefully [Rick director] Curtiss Clayton will bring to the screen, that I thought was the antithesis of all my work. I thought it was light and sunshiny, and Mr. Clayton reminded me that it is the story of a woman kidnapped and forced to do things against her will, which…” quote by Daniel Handler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/eda/daniel-handler-1043_antithesis_i-wrote-a-comedy-which-hopefully-rick-di_130261.jpg)
