Adjectives Quote by Carolyn Heilbrun
“Ardent, intelligent, sweet, sensitive, cultivated, erudite. These are the adjectives of praise in an androgynous world. Those who consider them epithets of shame or folly ought not to be trusted with leadership, for they will be men hot for power and revenge, certain of right and wrong.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Sex and the City: A Guide to the Female Experience, 1995
The quote argues that valuing traditionally feminine qualities in leaders signals moral integrity, while those who dismiss them are likely power‑hungry and vengeful.
In simple terms: Respecting feminine traits shows good leadership; rejecting them shows selfish ambition.
Key Takeaway
Value empathy and intellect in leaders.
Themes
leadership
gender
ethics
power
character
Mood
critical
thoughtful
inquisitive
Type
analytical
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- political elections
- corporate boardrooms
- community organizing
- educational institutions
Key Concepts
feminist theory
moral philosophy
social critique
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we balance empathy with decisive action?
- Can traditionally feminine traits coexist with strong authority?
A Different Perspective
It may overlook that some leaders can embody both feminine and masculine traits positively.
![“[G]enerosity... is the mistress and queen that gives lustre to every virtue, as it is not hard to prove. Where could one find a man, however powerful and rich, who isn't blamed if he is mean? And who, though not appreciated for his many other qualities, doesn't earn praise by his generosity?…” quote by Chrétien de Troyes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/773/chr-tien-de-troyes-28874_character_g-enerosity-is-the-mistress-and-queen-th_745288.jpg)
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![“a revolutionary marriage ... [is] one in which both partners have work at the center of their lives and must find a delicate balance that can support both together and each individually.” quote by Carolyn Heilbrun](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f07/carolyn-heilbrun-11912_balance_a-revolutionary-marriage-is-one-in-which_734516.jpg)
