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About this quote

What does it mean?
Only a male mind driven by sexual desire could label the short, broad‑hipped, narrow‑shouldered sex as the 'fair sex'.
In plain terms
Calling women the 'fair sex' reflects a sexually biased male viewpoint.
What can you take from it?
Recognize gender labels often stem from biased perspectives.

Where it applies

  • cultural commentary
  • gender discussions

Putting it to work

  • challenge stereotypical terms
  • promote neutral language

Questions to consider

  • How do you perceive gender labels?
  • What language promotes equality?

Another view

The statement is rooted in outdated views and may not reflect modern understanding.

More from Arthur Schopenhauer

  1. Obstinacy is the result of the will forcing itself into the place of the intellect.

    Permalink to quote #55
  2. In our monogamous part of the world, to marry means to halve one's rights and double one's duties.

    Permalink to quote #57
  3. Money is human happiness in the abstract: he, then, who is no longer capable of enjoying human happiness in the concrete devotes his heart entirely to money.

    Permalink to quote #54

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