According to my rule, you can find in every woman…
““According to my rule, you can find in every woman something - damn it! - something extraordinarily interesting, something you won't find in any other woman. Only you must know how to find it - that's the point! That requires talent! For me ugly women do not exist: the very fact that she's a woman is half the attraction for me- but how could you understand that? Even in old maids you sometimes find something so attractive that you can't help marvelling at the damn fools who've let them grow old without noticing it! The first thing to do with barefooted girls and ugly women is to take them by surprise - that's how one should deal with them. You didn't know that, did you? They must be surprised till they're enraptured, till they're transfixed, till they're ashamed that such a gentleman should have fallen in love with such a swarthy creature. What's so wonderful is that so long as there are peasants and gentlemen in the world - and there always will be - there will also be such lovely little scullery maids and their masters - that's all one needs for one's happiness.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The speaker objectifies women, claiming hidden value in all, yet frames them as objects to be surprised and controlled, exposing misogynistic attitudes.
In simple terms: He believes every woman has hidden worth but treats them as objects to manipulate.
Key Takeaway
Challenge objectifying views and respect individual agency.
Themes
gender
objectification
power dynamics
Mood
critical
thought‑provoking
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- romantic pursuit
- social interaction
- class relations
Key Concepts
misogyny
human dignity
social hierarchy
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we value people without objectifying them?
- What does true respect look like in relationships?
A Different Perspective
His perspective ignores women's autonomy and reduces them to status symbols.