Like many woman during early 20th century, Emmy wanted more out of life. She was a "new woman" and in some ways ahead of her time. She wanted a career. She cut her hair and wore it in a simple style. Like Coco Chanel, her clothing was fashioned on men's styles. She enjoyed swimming and water sports as many Germans still do today.
Feminism was taking hold across Europe, not only in Germany. Young women left the small towns and ventured out into the world. Most became shop girls and office workers. Emmy Noether aimed much higher. She wanted to be a mathematician like her father. She developed a new algebra which was streamlined just like the modern skyscrapers. She cared less about the details of the equations and more about the underlying relationships.