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All history attests that man has subjected woman to his will, used her as a means to promote his selfish gratification, to minister to his sensual pleasures, to be instrumental in promoting his comfort; but never has he desired to elevate her to that rank she was created to fill. He has done all he could to debase and enslave her mind; and now he looks triumphantly on the ruin he has wrought, and say, the being he has thus deeply injured is his inferior.

Sarah Grimke#4

Attribution disputed; shown as originally published.

EqualityGenderHistoryOppressionPowerSelfishness

About this quote

What does it mean?
Men have historically subjugated women for selfish reasons and now claim they are inferior. This is the result of systemic suppression, not natural order.
In plain terms
Men suppressed women and now call them inferior because of it.
What can you take from it?
Recognize that inequality is often a result of suppression.

Where it applies

  • historical analysis
  • feminist theory
  • social critique

Putting it to work

  • examine historical bias
  • challenge inferiority claims
  • support women's agency

Questions to consider

  • How much of current inequality is due to past suppression?
  • What evidence shows women were meant for equal standing?

Another view

Some argue biological differences justify traditional roles.

More from Sarah Grimke

  1. Had Adam tenderly reproved his wife, and endeavored to lead her to repentance instead of sharing in her guilt, I should be much more ready to accord to man tha…

    Permalink to quote #3
  2. I ask no favors for my sex. I surrender not our claim to equality. All I ask of our brethren is, that they will take their feet from off our necks, and permit …

    Permalink to quote #5
  3. Oh, had I received the education I desired, had I been bred to the profession of the law, I might have been a useful member of society, and instead of myself a…

    Permalink to quote #2

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