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About this quote

What does it mean?
Einstein claims women could not have invented calculus, reflecting historical biases about gender and intellect.
In plain terms
He states women did not invent calculus due to gender norms.
What can you take from it?
Historical claims about gender and genius are often biased.

Where it applies

  • feminist critique
  • history of science
  • gender roles

Putting it to work

  • critique gender bias
  • acknowledge overlooked contributors
  • study historical context

Questions to consider

  • How did gender norms limit scientific progress?
  • Whose contributions are missing from history?

Another view

This statement is factually incorrect and reflects sexist attitudes of his time.

More from Albert Einstein

  1. Any fool can know. The point is to understand.

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  2. Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius - and a lot of courage - to move in the opposite direct…

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  3. A person starts to live when he can live outside himself.

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