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[A] man and still more the woman, who can be accused…

“[A] man and still more the woman, who can be accused either of doing "what nobody does," or of not doing "what everybody does," is the subject of as much depreciatory remark as if he or she had committed some grave moral delinquency.” quote by John Stuart Mill
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“[A] man and still more the woman, who can be accused either of doing "what nobody does," or of not doing "what everybody does," is the subject of as much depreciatory remark as if he or she had committed some grave moral delinquency.”

John Stuart Mill

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Society condemns those who deviate from both extremes of conformity and rebellion, treating them as morally suspect.

In simple terms: Nonconformists are judged harshly.

Key Takeaway

Accept diverse choices.

Themes

conformity nonconformity judgment

Mood

reflective critical

Type

philosophical social

When to use this quote

  • workplace culture
  • artistic expression
  • personal relationships

Key Concepts

liberalism social pressure

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance individuality with social expectations?
  • What risks arise from labeling nonconformity as immoral?
A Different Perspective

Criticism can stifle innovation.

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