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If a man wants to set up as an innkeeper and he does not…

“If a man wants to set up as an innkeeper and he does not succeed, it is not comic. If, on the contrary, a girl asks to be allowed to set up as a prostitute and she fails, as sometimes happens, it is comic.” quote by Soren Kierkegaard
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“If a man wants to set up as an innkeeper and he does not succeed, it is not comic. If, on the contrary, a girl asks to be allowed to set up as a prostitute and she fails, as sometimes happens, it is comic.”

Soren Kierkegaard

About This Quote

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

Contrasts societal expectations: male failure in business is tragic, while female failure in prostitution is seen as comic, highlighting gender bias.

In simple terms: Male business failure is serious; female prostitution failure is comic.

Key Takeaway

Question gendered double standards.

Themes

gender bias social norms humor existentialism

Mood

critical thought‑provoking

Type

philosophical social

When to use this quote

  • legal judgments
  • media representation
  • personal relationships
  • public discourse

Key Concepts

philosophy social critique gender studies

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do cultural narratives shape gendered humor?
  • What ethical frameworks can assess such double standards?
A Different Perspective

The analogy may oversimplify complex social roles and moral judgments.

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