Above the titles of wife and ...

Above the titles of wife and mother, which, although dear, are transitory and accidental, there is the title human being, which precedes and out-ranks every other.
 Mary Livermore

Quotes from the same author

Almost every one of the great religions of the world has made special provisions for them, and the woman who has preferred a celibate to a domestic life has been able to occupy a position of honor and usefulness.
 Mary Livermore
For humanity has moved forward to an era when wrong and slavery are being displaced, and reason and justice are being recognized as the rule of life.
 Mary Livermore