Any intelligent woman who reads the marriage contract, and then goes into it, deserves all the consequences

Any intelligent woman who reads the marriage contract, and then goes into it, deserves all the consequences

Isadora Duncan, the revolutionary dancer and feminist icon of the early 20th century, was known for her fierce independence and rejection of societal norms. She famously declared, "Any intelligent woman who reads the marriage contract, and then goes into it, deserves all the consequences." This statement reflects Duncan's belief in the importance of women maintaining their autonomy and not succumbing to the constraints of traditional marriage.

Duncan's views on marriage were shaped by her own experiences and observations of the women around her. Born in 1877, she grew up in a time when women were expected to be subservient to their husbands and conform to societal expectations of marriage and motherhood. However, Duncan refused to be confined by these limitations and instead chose to live life on her own terms.

Throughout her life, Duncan had a series of tumultuous relationships with men, many of whom were unable to handle her fierce independence and unconventional lifestyle. She believed that marriage was a patriarchal institution that often stifled women's creativity and freedom. By choosing to enter into a marriage contract, Duncan felt that women were willingly surrendering their autonomy and subjecting themselves to the consequences of a system that oppressed them.

Duncan's words serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of women asserting their independence and refusing to conform to societal expectations. She believed that women should not be defined by their relationships with men, but rather by their own accomplishments and ambitions. By rejecting the traditional institution of marriage, Duncan paved the way for future generations of women to challenge the status quo and demand equality and respect.