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Intellect is not sexed;... strength of mind is not sexed; and ... our views about the duties of men and the duties of women, the sphere of man and the sphere of woman, are mere arbitrary opinions, differing in different ages and countries, and dependent solely on the will and judgment of erring mortals.

Sarah Grimke#10

Attribution disputed; shown as originally published.

EqualityGenderSocietyGender rolesIntellectRoles

About this quote

What does it mean?
Intellect and mental strength are not determined by sex. Views on gender roles are arbitrary opinions that change across time and place.
In plain terms
Mind power is the same for everyone regardless of gender.
What can you take from it?
Reject arbitrary ideas about what men and women should do.

Where it applies

  • debates on gender roles
  • educational policy
  • workplace equality

Putting it to work

  • challenge gender stereotypes
  • review hiring practices
  • educate on equality

Questions to consider

  • Are your views on gender based on fact or tradition?
  • How do cultural norms shape your expectations of men and women?

Another view

Some biological differences between sexes are scientifically documented.

More from Sarah Grimke

  1. There has been a comparatively greater proportion of good queens, than of good kings.

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  2. One of the duties which devolve upon women in the present interesting crisis, is to prepare themselves for more extensive usefulness, by making use of those re…

    Permalink to quote #11
  3. The virtue of female slaves is wholly at the mercy of irresponsible tyrants, and women are bought and sold in our slave markets, to gratify the brutal lust of …

    Permalink to quote #8

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