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Don’t you know that our belief in man’s intellect is the…

“Don’t you know that our belief in man’s intellect is the greatest fallacy of them all?” “What?” I exclaimed. “Ask any journalist, schoolmaster, politician or public house keeper in the land and they will all tell you that men are much cleverer than women.” “As if I doubted it,” she said…” quote by Virginia Woolf
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““Don’t you know that our belief in man’s intellect is the greatest fallacy of them all?” “What?” I exclaimed. “Ask any journalist, schoolmaster, politician or public house keeper in the land and they will all tell you that men are much cleverer than women.” “As if I doubted it,” she said scornfully. “How could they help it? Haven’t we bred them and fed and kept them in comfort since the beginning of time so that they may be clever even if they’re nothing else? It’s all our doing!” she cried.””

Virginia Woolf

About This Quote

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

Societal belief in male intellectual superiority is a false narrative perpetuated by institutions that ignore women's capabilities.

In simple terms: Men are wrongly seen as smarter.

Key Takeaway

Challenge gender stereotypes in knowledge.

Themes

gender education bias

Mood

critical thoughtful

Type

literary feminist

When to use this quote

  • classroom
  • workplace
  • media representation

Key Concepts

feminist theory social construct

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why do we accept biased narratives?
  • How can we amplify women's voices?
A Different Perspective

The claim overlooks women's diverse achievements and contributions.

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