Bad man Quote by Agatha Christie
““I was such a foolish girl - girls are foolish, Mr. Satterthwaite. They are so sure of themselves, so convinced they know best. People write and talk a lot of a ‘woman’s instinct.’ I don’t believe, Mr.Satterthwaite, that there is any such thing. There doesn’t seem to be anything that warns girls against a certain type of man. Nothing in themselves, I mean. Their parents warn them, but that’s no good - one doesn’t believe. It seems dreadful to say so, but there is something attractive to a girl in being told anyone is a bad man. She thinks at once that her love will reform him.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Mysterious Mr. Quin by Agatha Christie, 1930
The speaker doubts the notion of an innate “woman’s instinct” and suggests attraction to the idea of a “bad man” stems from a desire to reform him.
In simple terms: She questions if women are instinctively drawn to flawed men.
Key Takeaway
Recognize personal patterns in partner choice.
Themes
relationships
gender dynamics
psychology
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
observational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- dating
- self‑reflection
- relationship counseling
Key Concepts
instinct
reformation
attraction
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you choose partners to change them?
- How does belief in instinct shape behavior?
A Different Perspective
Attraction may be influenced by cultural narratives, not innate instinct.
