Best Quote by A. S. Byatt
“If you want to teach women to be great writers, you should show them the best, and the best was often done by men. It was more often done by men than by women, if we're going to be truthful.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Guardian, 1995
The author argues that women writers should study the greatest works, which historically have been authored mainly by men.
In simple terms: Women should learn from the best, which were mostly written by men.
Key Takeaway
Read classic male authors to improve writing.
Themes
gender
literature
education
history
role models
Mood
reflective
critical
thoughtful
Type
advice
analytical
historical
When to use this quote
- creative writing workshops
- literary curricula
- author mentorship
- book clubs
- academic courses
Key Concepts
canon formation
gender bias
literary standards
Questions to Reflect On
- How does exposure to diverse voices affect writing skill?
- What barriers prevent women’s work from being recognized as “the best”?
A Different Perspective
The claim overlooks many influential women writers and reinforces a male‑centric canon.
![“Therefore, to teach them [women] at least an outline of economics and law is the first requirement after giving them a general education. Figuratively speaking, it will be like providing the women of civilized society with a pocket dagger for self-protection.” quote by Fukuzawa Yukichi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2f5/fukuzawa-yukichi-22233_civilized_therefore-to-teach-them-women-at-least-a_2273374.jpg)
