Andre had been telling her an ancient legend of the fall…
““Andre had been telling her an ancient legend of the fall of man into evil. It came about, he said, by the hand of a woman, Eve, who gave man forbidden fruit. "And how was this woman to know that the fruit was forbidden?" Madame Wu had inquired. "An evil spirit, in the shape of a serpent, whispered it to her," Andre had said. "Why to her instead of to the man?" she had inquired. "Because he knew that her mind and her heart were fixed not upon the man, but upon the pursuance of life," he had replied. "The man's mind and heart were fixed upon himself. He was happy enough, dreaming that he possessed the woman and the garden. Why should he be tempted further? He had all. But the woman could always be tempted by the thought of a better garden, a larger space, more to possess, because she knew that out of her body would come many more beings, and for them she plotted and planned. The woman thought not of herself, but of the many whom she would create. For their sake she was tempted. For their sake she will always be tempted.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The passage explores gendered temptation, suggesting women are driven by foresight and responsibility for future generations, while men are self‑centered.
In simple terms: Women think beyond themselves; men focus on self.
Key Takeaway
Consider the broader impact of your choices.
Themes
gender
temptation
responsibility
future
legacy
Mood
thoughtful
reflective
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- parenting
- leadership
- career planning
- community building
Key Concepts
existentialism
psychology
feminist theory
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance personal desire with responsibility to others?
- What drives your decisions: self‑interest or collective good?
A Different Perspective
It may oversimplify complex motivations and ignore cultural context.