Raden Adjeng Kartini

“ I know that the way I wish to go is difficult, full of thorns, thistles, pitfalls; it is stormy, rough, slippery and it is — free! And even though I shall not be happy after I have reached my goal, though I may give way before it is half reached, I shall die gladly, for the path will then have been broken, and I shall have helped to clear the way which leads to freedom and independence for the native woman. ”

“ A little while ago in talking to Mama, about something of interest to women, I told her what I had said so many times before, that nothing attracted me more, that nothing was more longed for by me than to be able to fly alone upon my own wings. ”

“ But you know very well that every beginning is difficult. That the fate of every innovator is hard. That misunderstanding, disappoint ment on top of disappointment, ridicule, all await you; do you realize that? ”