“Every form, not being the whole, must, of necessity, be imperfect; less than the whole, it cannot be identical with the whole, and being less than the whole and, therefore, imperfect by itself, it shows imperfection as evil, and only the totality of a universe can mirror the image of God.”

English socialist and activist

Annie Besant was an English socialist, theosophist, freemason, educationist, and activist. She lived from 1847 to 1933 and became known for her work in social reform, women’s rights, Home Rule, and Indian nationalism. She supported self-government for Ireland and India and took a prominent role in public life in both countries. In 1917, she became the first woman to serve as president of the Indian National Congress. Her writing and public speeches reflect her commitment to political change, education, and reform.