Ernest Belfort Bax

Ernest Belfort Bax (23 July 1854 – 26 November 1926) was a noted English barrister, journalist, philosopher, men's rights advocate, socialist, and historian, associated with the Social Democratic Federation.

Quotes

The Fraud of Feminism (1913)

There is a trick with which votaries of Feminism seek to prejudice the public mind against its critics, and that is the “fake” that any man who ventures to criticise the pretensions of Feminism, is actuated by motives of personal rancour against the female sex.
- Introduction

Modern Feminism has two distinct sides to it: (1) an articulate political and economic side embracing demands for so-called rights; and (2) a sentimental side which insists in an accentuation of the privileges and immunities which have grown up, not articulately or as the result of definite demands, but as the consequence of sentimental pleading in particular cases. In this way, however, a public opinion became established, finding expression in a sex favouritism in the law and even still more in its administration, in favour of women as against men.
- Chapter 1 Historical

The Legal Subjection of Men (1908)

From all we have said, it will now be evident, one would think, to the most prejudiced reader that modern English Law, following obsequiously a deluded or apathetic stage of public opinion, has solved the problem of the division of rights and duties between the sexes, by conceding to woman all rights, and imposing on man all duties.
- 11: A Sex Noblesse

Certain Socialist writers are fond of describing the Social-Democratic State of the future as implying the "emancipation of the proletarian and the woman." As regards the latter point, however, if emancipation is taken to include domination, we have not to wait so long. The highest development of modern capitalism, as exemplified in the English-speaking countries, has placed man to all intents and purposes, legally under the heel of woman. So far as the relations of the sexes are concerned, it would be the task of Socialism to emancipate man from this position, if sex-equality be the goal aimed at. The first step on the road towards such equality would necessarily consist in the abolition of modern female privilege.
- Chapter 12: Socialists and Feminists

‘No Misogyny But True Equality’ (1887)

I think she understates in favour of her own sex the inequality which she admits to exist between the male and female intellect.
- To-Day magazine, October issue ‘No Misogyny But True Equality’

I fear many working men will tell Mrs. Besant that the greatest hindrance to their political and social activity is the apathy of their wives.
- To-Day magazine, October issue ‘No Misogyny But True Equality’

Women in general are not interested in questions of principle as such, but at most only in so far as they affect particular personalities. They require the dramatic element to evoke their interest. With many men, on the contrary, though this element of course enhances interest, it is not the indispensable condition of interest.
- To-Day magazine, October issue ‘No Misogyny But True Equality’