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Whenever women have insisted on absolute equality with men, they have invariably wound up with the dirty end of the stick. What they are and what they can do makes them superior to men, and their proper tactic is to demand special privileges, all the traffic will bear. They should never settle merely for equality. For women, 'equality' is a disaster.

Robert A. Heinlein#148

SocietyGenderEqualityPrivilegeStrategy

About this quote

What does it mean?
The author argues women achieve more by seeking special privileges than by demanding equality with men.
In plain terms
Women should ask for special treatment rather than equality.
What can you take from it?
Seeking privileges yields better results than seeking equality.

Where it applies

  • workplace negotiations
  • political debates
  • social strategy

Putting it to work

  • analyze leverage
  • understand social norms
  • evaluate equity vs equality

Questions to consider

  • What defines true equality?
  • Is equality always the best goal?

Another view

This view contradicts modern human rights principles and egalitarian values.

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