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I know more of the world than you do," she said. "I know…

“I know more of the world than you do," she said. "I know how men like Stiva look at it. You speak of his talking of you with her. That never happened. Such men are unfaithful, but their home and wife are sacred to them. Somehow or other these women are still looked on with contempt by them, and do…” quote by Leo Tolstoy
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““I know more of the world than you do," she said. "I know how men like Stiva look at it. You speak of his talking of you with her. That never happened. Such men are unfaithful, but their home and wife are sacred to them. Somehow or other these women are still looked on with contempt by them, and do not touch on their feeling for their family. They draw a sort of line that can't be crossed between them and their families. I don't understand it, but it is so.””

Leo Tolstoy

About This Quote

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

Explores male infidelity versus reverence for family, highlighting societal double standards and emotional conflict.

In simple terms: Men may betray wives yet still value family honor.

Key Takeaway

Recognize the conflict between actions and claimed values.

Themes

infidelity family double standards honor gender roles

Mood

melancholic reflective critical

Type

literary psychological social

When to use this quote

  • marriage counseling
  • literary analysis
  • relationship therapy

Key Concepts

moral conflict social critique psychological insight

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why do some men compartmentalize betrayal and family duty?
  • How does society judge men versus women in similar situations?
A Different Perspective

May oversimplify complex personal motivations.

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