We are not born all at once, but by bits. The body first, and the spirit later; and the birth and growth of the spirit, in those who are attentive to their own inner life, are slow and exceedingly painful.

After its publication Antin lectured on her immigrant experience to many audiences across the country and became a major supporter for Theodore Roosevelt and his Progressive Party. She married Amadeus William Grabau a geologist in 1901 and moved to New York City where Mary Antin attended Teachers College of Columbia University and Barnard College.