Oh, make no mistake. I am no callow, ardent youth. I am an…
““Oh, make no mistake. I am no callow, ardent youth. I am an elderly man, broken in health and body, and soon to die. I am a scientist and a philosopher. I, as all the generations of philosophers before me, know woman for what she is—her weaknesses and meannesses and immodesties and ignobilities, her earth-bound feet and her eyes that have never seen the stars. But—and the everlasting, irrefragable fact remains: Her feet are beautiful, her eyes are beautiful, her arms and breasts are paradise, her charm is potent beyond all charm that has ever dazzled man; and, as the pole willy nilly draws the needle, just so, willy nilly, does she draw man.””
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 acknowledges both the flaws and the profound beauty of women, seeing them as a powerful, irresistible force on men.
In simple terms: Women have flaws but also deep beauty that draws men.
Key Takeaway
Recognize both strengths and weaknesses in others.
Themes
beauty
desire
humanity
philosophy
gender
Mood
contemplative
admiring
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- relationships
- personal reflection
- gender dynamics
Key Concepts
beauty
desire
human attraction
Questions to Reflect On
- What aspects of women’s humanity do you truly value?
- How does idealization affect relationships?
A Different Perspective
Attraction can be idealized, overlooking complexities.