• Nora leaves her husband, not-as the stupid critic would have it-because she is tired of her responsibilities or feels the need of woman's rights, but because she has come to know that for eight years she had lived with a stranger and borne him children. Can there be anything more humiliating, more degrading than a life-long proximity between two strangers? No need for the woman to know anything of the man, save his income. As to the knowledge of the woman-what is there to know except that she has a pleasing appearance?

    Emma Goldman: Nora leaves her husband, not-as the stupid critic would have it-because she is tired of her responsibilities or feels the need of woman's rights, but because she has come to know that for eight years she had lived with a stranger and borne him children.  Can there be anything more humiliating, more degrading than a life-long proximity between two strangers?  No need for the woman to know anything of the man, save his income.  As to the knowledge of the woman-what is there to know except that she has a pleasing appearance?
    Emma Goldman (2012). “Marriage and Love”, p.5, The Floating Press