Skip to content

It means you can’t cheat Nature,” he says. “Nature demands…

“It means you can’t cheat Nature,” he says. “Nature demands variety, for men. It stands to reason, it’s part of the procreational strategy. It’s Nature’s plan.” I don’t say anything, so he goes on. “Women know that instinctively. Why did they buy so many different clothes, in the old days? To trick…” quote by Margaret Atwood
Download Open image
““It means you can’t cheat Nature,” he says. “Nature demands variety, for men. It stands to reason, it’s part of the procreational strategy. It’s Nature’s plan.” I don’t say anything, so he goes on. “Women know that instinctively. Why did they buy so many different clothes, in the old days? To trick the men into thinking they were several different women. A new one each day.””

Margaret Atwood

About This Quote

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

Nature imposes diversity as a survival strategy, and people use appearance changes to manipulate perception.

In simple terms: Nature forces variety; people use disguise.

Key Takeaway

Recognize genuine diversity versus superficial change.

Themes

nature diversity perception gender survival

Mood

thoughtful critical analytical

Type

philosophical social commentary literary.

When to use this quote

  • fashion
  • dating
  • political propaganda
  • marketing campaigns

Key Concepts

evolutionary biology social manipulation identity strategy

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do we distinguish authentic diversity from manipulation?
  • What role does appearance play in power dynamics?
A Different Perspective

Superficial changes may not affect deeper biological drives.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Margaret Atwood

Explore all 2,072 Margaret Atwood quotes

More Nature quotes

Browse all 47,383 Nature quotes