Arbiter Quote by Christian Nestell Bovee
“It is indeed a misfortune for a woman to be without beauty, as with men the eye is the chief arbiter of qualities in the sex. Her beauty is her capital--her worth in the market matrimonial depends upon it. With her the Virtues are less reverenced when unaccompanied by the Graces. The sex understand this very well; and hence they seek mainly to make captive the eye, knowing the mind and heart will follow as a matter of course.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Moral Essays, 1845
Society judges women primarily by physical appearance, treating beauty as economic value and a prerequisite for virtue.
In simple terms: Women are valued for looks, not character.
Key Takeaway
Recognize worth beyond appearance.
Themes
gender
beauty
economics
virtue
societal standards
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
analytical
social commentary
When to use this quote
- dating
- career advancement
- media representation
Key Concepts
objectification
capitalism
social conditioning
Questions to Reflect On
- How does media shape beauty ideals?
- What alternative values can we promote?
A Different Perspective
Beauty standards are culturally constructed and can change.
