Marriage, to women as to men, must be a luxury, not a necessity; an incident of life, not all of it.

In this quote, Susan B. Anthony argues that marriage should not be viewed as an essential or defining aspect of a woman’s life. She stresses that marriage should be seen as a luxury, something that enhances life rather than something that defines it or is necessary for fulfillment. Anthony advocates for equality in how both men and women perceive marriage, suggesting that both genders should view it as an incident of life, not its totality. Her perspective calls for freedom from societal pressures that compel women to marry for social status or security, emphasizing that a woman’s identity should not be tied to her marital status.

The origin of this quote stems from Anthony’s groundbreaking work in the women's suffrage movement and her broader fight for women's rights in the 19th and early 20th centuries. As a leader in advocating for gender equality, Anthony often spoke about the need for women to have the freedom to live independent lives, free from restrictive roles. This quote reflects her belief that women should not be constrained by the societal expectation that their ultimate purpose is to marry and bear children. She envisioned a society where women could define themselves outside of traditional gender roles.

Anthony’s call for marriage to be a luxury and not a necessity is also a critique of how patriarchal systems have historically limited women’s choices and opportunities. In her time, marriage was often the only socially acceptable path for women to gain financial stability and social acceptance. By framing marriage as something that should be optional and enriching, rather than obligatory, Anthony encouraged women to seek self-determination and to value themselves beyond their marital status.

Ultimately, this quote highlights Susan B. Anthony’s vision of a world where women are empowered to live fulfilling lives regardless of whether they marry or not. She called for a shift in societal attitudes, advocating for women’s autonomy and self-worth to be recognized beyond traditional roles. By elevating marriage to the level of a choice rather than a necessity, Anthony’s words continue to inspire conversations about gender equality and the importance of personal freedom in shaping one’s identity.