I did not believe that a Cause which stood for a beautiful ideal, for anarchism, for release and freedom from convention and prejudice, should demand the denial of life and joy. I insisted that our Cause could not expect me to become a nun and that the movement would not be turned into a cloister. If it meant that, I did not want it. "I want freedom, the right to self-expression, everybody's right to beautiful, radiant things." Anarchism meant that to me, and I would live it in spite of the whole world – prisons, persecution, everything. Yes, even in spite of the condemnation of my own closest comrades I would live my beautiful ideal.Emma Goldman
About This Quote
Emma Goldman, born in 1869, was an American political activist, feminist, and social reformer known for her radical politics, her outspokenness, and her atheism. She became well-known as a journalist, lecturer, writer, and one of the first female public speakers in America. Goldman's life is filled with many myths that she created herself to make her life dramatic. One of these myths is that she wouldn't live out her ideals if it meant losing her friends or family members.
Emma knew very well that she would be the cause of separation if she would live out all of her beliefs. It's true that Emma didn't want to live with the loss of friends or family members but it's also true that she wouldn't leave because she was afraid to live out all of what she believed in.
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