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Polly Adler
18quotes
Polly Adler: A Pioneering Sex Worker and Entrepreneur
Polly Adler was a trailblazing sex worker, entrepreneur, and author who defied convention in the early 20th century. Born in Russia in 1900, Adler's life story is one of resilience, determination, and a commitment to empowering women.
Full Name and Common Aliases
Polly Adler was born Paula Galka to a Jewish family in what is now Ukraine. She would later become known as Polly or Paula to her friends and acquaintances.
Birth and Death Dates
Adler was born on September 28, 1900, and died on December 23, 1962.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Polly Adler was a Russian-American sex worker, entrepreneur, and author. Her career spanned over four decades and took her from the streets of New York City to the high society of Manhattan's Upper East Side.
Early Life and Background
Adler arrived in the United States at the age of 10 with her family. She grew up on the Lower East Side, where she was exposed to the harsh realities of poverty and immigration. However, Adler's family encouraged her independence and self-reliance from a young age. After dropping out of school, Adler began working as a sex worker in her early teens.
Major Accomplishments
Polly Adler's entrepreneurial spirit and determination led her to establish one of New York City's most exclusive brothels during the 1920s. Her establishment catered to high-society clients, including politicians, businessmen, and celebrities. Adler's success as a sex worker and entrepreneur was built on her ability to adapt, innovate, and provide exceptional service.
Notable Works or Actions
Adler wrote an autobiography, _A House Is Not a Home_ (1958), which offered a candid look into her life as a sex worker. The book details her struggles with addiction, relationships, and the societal pressures that shaped her career. Adler's story has been cited as an inspiration by many women who have followed in her footsteps.
Impact and Legacy
Polly Adler's impact on society extends far beyond her own experiences. Her willingness to challenge convention and speak truthfully about her life paved the way for future generations of sex workers and entrepreneurs. Today, Adler is remembered as a pioneering figure who defied the norms of her time and empowered women through her actions.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Polly Adler's story has been widely quoted and referenced due to its relevance to contemporary issues surrounding sex work, feminism, and entrepreneurship. Her candid and unapologetic approach to discussing her life continues to inspire debate and reflection among scholars, activists, and the general public.
As a pioneering sex worker and entrepreneur, Polly Adler left an indelible mark on society. Her legacy serves as a reminder that women have always had agency in shaping their own lives, regardless of societal expectations or convention. Through her story, we are reminded of the power of resilience, determination, and self-reliance in the face of adversity.
In the words of Polly Adler herself: "A house is not a home without love, but it can be a place where people come to find some comfort and solace."
Quotes by Polly Adler
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It’s not a college degree that makes a writer. The great thing is to have a story to tell.
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The only difference between them and my girls is that my girls gave a man his money’s worth.
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What it comes down to is this: the grocer, the butcher, the baker, the merchant, the landlord, the druggist, the liquor dealer, the policeman, the doctor, the city father and the politician – these are the people who make money out of prostitution, these are the real reapers of the wages of sin.
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I am one of those people who can’t help getting a kick out of life – even when it’s a kick in the teeth.
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The women who take husbands not out of love but out of greed, to get their bills paid, to get a fine house and clothes and jewels; the women who marry to get out of a tiresome job, or to get away from disagreeable relatives, or to avoid being called an old maid -- these are whores in everything but name. The only difference between them and my girls is that my girls gave a man his money's worth.
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What it comes down to is this: the grocer, the butcher, the baker, the merchant, the landlord, the druggist, the liquor dealer, the policeman, the doctor, the city father and the politician -- these are the people who make money out of prostitution, these are the real reapers of the wages of sin.
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