To call woman the weaker sex is a libel; it is man's injustice to woman. If by strength is meant brute strength, then, indeed, is woman less brute than man. If by strength is meant moral power, then woman is immeasurably man's superior. Has she not greater intuition, is she not more self-sacrificing, has she not greater powers of endurance, has she not greater courage? Without her, man could not be. If nonviolence is the law of our being, the future is with woman. Who can make a more effective appeal to the heart than woman?
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Gandhi challenges the idea that women are weaker, citing their moral power and endurance as superior to men.
- In plain terms
- Women are morally stronger than men and should not be called weaker.
- What can you take from it?
- Recognize moral power and endurance as true strength.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What defines strength for you?
- How do you view gender roles?
Another view
Generalizing traits by gender can overlook individual variation.
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