“I have lived and slept in the same bed with English countesses and Prussian farm women… no woman has excited passions among women more than I have.”
- May 12, 1820 – August 13, 1910
- Born in the Grand Duchy of Tuscany (Italy)
- Nurse, statistician
- Established modern nursing, promoted sanitary reform through her work in the Crimean War, and wrote “Notes on Nursing”
Quote
“I have lived and slept in the same bed with English countesses and Prussian farm women… no woman has excited passions among women more than I have.”
Explanation
In this provocative quote, Florence Nightingale reflects on the wide range of people she encountered throughout her life and career, as well as the intensity of her impact, particularly on women. Her mention of living alongside both English countesses and Prussian farm women suggests the breadth of her experiences across social classes, highlighting her role as a transformational figure in both high society and the working-class world. Nightingale was known for defying the conventional roles of women in her time—becoming a nursing reformer and pioneering figure in healthcare. She was not confined by the expectations of her upper-class upbringing, and her work took her into various social circles, where she both challenged and inspired people.
The statement “no woman has excited passions among women more than I have” seems to be an expression of the controversy and strong reactions that Nightingale’s presence and work often provoked. Her assertiveness, independence, and unconventional choices (particularly her decision to dedicate herself to nursing and hospital reform, a profession largely dominated by men at the time) likely stirred both admiration and resentment among women of different social standings. Some saw her as a role model—a woman breaking barriers and making profound changes in healthcare—while others, particularly those in more traditional roles, may have viewed her as a threat to established norms.
Nightingale’s influence, especially among women, was significant, though not always welcomed. While she undoubtedly inspired many women to pursue nursing as a professional career, her exacting standards and dominant personality sometimes led to tension or criticism, even among her peers. She was both respected and reviled for her determination and her refusal to conform to societal expectations of women. This quote captures the intensity of her character and the polarizing effect she had on those around her. Nightingale’s legacy is a reminder that individuals who challenge societal norms—especially in ways that disrupt traditional gender roles—often inspire strong passions and contradictory reactions in both their supporters and detractors.
