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Coming to terms with the rhythms of women's lives means coming to terms with life itself, accepting the imperatives of the body rather than the imperatives of an artificial, man-made, perhaps transcendentally beautiful civilization. Emphasis on the male work-rhythm is an emphasis on infinite possibilities; emphasis on the female rhythms is an emphasis on a defined pattern, on limitation.

Margaret Mead#12

SocietyGenderWorkNature

About this quote

What does it mean?
Accepting natural biological rhythms like women's lives contrasts with artificial societal structures built around male work cycles.
In plain terms
Real life rhythms differ from man-made schedules.
What can you take from it?
Align life with natural cycles.

Where it applies

  • workplace policy
  • life planning

Putting it to work

  • rethink work schedules
  • value biological needs

Questions to consider

  • Does your life fit natural rhythms?
  • How should work change for bodies?

Another view

Modern work demands often ignore natural limits.

More from Margaret Mead

  1. Chief among our gains must be reckoned this possibility of choice, the recognition of many possible ways of life, where other civilizations have recognized onl…

    Permalink to quote #11
  2. Every time we liberate a woman, we liberate a man.

    Permalink to quote #13
  3. Because of their age-long training in human relations- for that is what feminine intuition really is- women have a special contribution to make to any group en…

    Permalink to quote #10

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