You creating ones, you higher men! Whoever has to give…
““You creating ones, you higher men! Whoever has to give birth is sick; whoever has given birth, however, is unclean. Ask women: one gives birth, not because it gives pleasure. The pain makes hens and poets cackle. You creating ones, in you there is much uncleanliness. That is because you have had to be mothers. A new child: oh, how much new filth has also come into the world! Go apart! He who has given birth shall wash his soul!””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A provocative critique of childbirth, portraying it as a source of impurity and suffering, reflecting misogynistic attitudes.
In simple terms: Birth is described as dirty and painful, casting mothers as unclean.
Key Takeaway
Question and challenge harmful gender stereotypes.
Themes
gender
misogyny
birth
purity
pain
Mood
critical
reflective
historical
Type
philosophical
social
controversial
When to use this quote
- discussions on gender equality
- historical analysis of misogyny
Key Concepts
social critique
gender roles
biological determinism
Questions to Reflect On
- How does this view affect perceptions of motherhood?
- What alternative perspectives honor mothers?
A Different Perspective
Challenges arise from modern ethical standards rejecting such demeaning views.