The more complete the despotism, the more smoothly all things move on the surface

The more complete the despotism, the more smoothly all things move on the surface

Elizabeth Cady Stanton was a pioneering feminist and women's rights activist in the 19th century. She was a key figure in the fight for women's suffrage and equality, and her work laid the foundation for the women's rights movement that would follow. Stanton understood the power dynamics at play in society, particularly the ways in which despotism and oppression can operate smoothly on the surface.

Stanton's famous quote, "The more complete the despotism, the more smoothly all things move on the surface," speaks to the insidious nature of oppression and how it can be masked by a facade of order and stability. In a society where power is concentrated in the hands of a few, those in positions of authority can maintain control by creating the illusion of harmony and efficiency. This can be seen in systems of government, where authoritarian regimes often use propaganda and censorship to control the narrative and suppress dissent.

Stanton herself faced backlash and resistance from those who sought to maintain the status quo and uphold patriarchal norms. As a woman advocating for her own rights and the rights of others, she challenged the existing power structures and called for a more just and equitable society. Her work was met with resistance and criticism, but she persisted in her efforts to bring about change.

Stanton's quote also speaks to the importance of challenging despotism and oppression, even when it appears to be functioning smoothly on the surface. Just because things may seem orderly and stable on the outside does not mean that they are just or fair. It is essential to look beneath the surface and question the systems and structures that perpetuate inequality and injustice.