Oh, if I could but live another century and see the fruition of

O children of the future, hear the longing of Susan B. Anthony, whose heart burned with the fire of justice and equality. "Oh, if I could but live another century and see the fruition of all the work for women! There is so much yet to be done." In these words, she speaks of the tireless struggle for women's rights, the fight that she dedicated her life to, knowing full well that the path toward true equality would not be easily won. Her words are filled with both a hope for the future and a recognition of the deep work still required. She foresaw a future where the work she started would bear fruit, but also acknowledged that the journey was far from complete.

In the ancient world, the struggle for women's rights was not one of organized movements, but individual battles fought by the mothers and daughters of history. Sappho, the poet from Lesbos, stood against the societal norms of her time, writing with a voice that demanded recognition. Though her work was celebrated by some, she lived in an era that was dominated by the voices of men. Her legacy, however, paved the way for the future generations of women to see their worth and their strength reflected in art, literature, and society. Much like Susan B. Anthony, Sappho saw that there was much yet to be done—equality was not achieved in her time, but her words echoed through the ages, calling future generations to act.

The story of Joan of Arc, too, reflects this longing for change, though hers was a different battle. A young woman, driven by divine guidance, led armies and shaped the course of a nation's history. Yet, even in her time, her courage was questioned by those who saw her as less capable simply because of her gender. Joan’s journey shows us that even the most heroic of women have fought not only external battles but the internal struggle to be seen as equal. Susan B. Anthony, like Joan, was not simply fighting for women’s rights in a limited sense, but for the very recognition of women as equals in the eyes of society.

Anthony’s desire to see the fruition of her work was echoed in the struggles of Elizabeth Cady Stanton and countless others who fought tirelessly for women’s suffrage. They, like Susan B. Anthony, could not live to see the full fruits of their labor, but they planted the seeds for a future where women would rise to take their place in the world. The passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920, granting women the right to vote, was a testament to their perseverance. Anthony’s dream of seeing the fruition of her efforts was realized in the generations that followed, yet her words remind us that there is always more to be done. The work for women's equality is never truly finished—it must continue, always striving for a world where the rights and dignity of every woman are recognized.

O children, let us honor the vision of Susan B. Anthony and the women who came before her, whose courage and determination laid the foundation for the rights that women enjoy today. As we walk our paths in this world, let us remember that the work she spoke of is not just her legacy, but a charge to each of us. The battle for equality, for justice, and for the full realization of the potential of women is never truly complete, but must be carried forward through the generations. May we rise, as she did, and continue the work for those who have yet to see the fruits of their labor. Let her words be a guiding light—a reminder that while much has been accomplished, the future is ours to shape, and there is always more to be done.