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Aristotle Quote by Dorothy L. Sayers

“When the pioneers of university training for women demanded that women should be admitted to the universities, the cry went up at once: ‘Why should women want to know about Aristotle?’ The answer is NOT that all women would be the better for knowing about Aristotle … but simply: ‘What women want…” quote by Dorothy L. Sayers
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““When the pioneers of university training for women demanded that women should be admitted to the universities, the cry went up at once: ‘Why should women want to know about Aristotle?’ The answer is NOT that all women would be the better for knowing about Aristotle … but simply: ‘What women want as a class is irrelevant. I want to know about Aristotle. It is true that many women care nothing about him, and a great many male undergraduates turn pale and faint at the thought of him – but I, eccentric individual that I am, do want to know about Aristotle, and I submit that there is nothing in my shape or bodily functions which need prevent my knowing about him.””

Dorothy L. Sayers

About This Quote

Individual curiosity outweighs gendered assumptions; knowledge is personal, not collective.

In simple terms: People should learn what they want, regardless of gender.

Key Takeaway

Pursue knowledge for yourself.

Themes

education gender individuality

Mood

thoughtful defiant

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • classroom
  • policy debate
  • personal growth
  • public discourse

Key Concepts

feminism philosophy autonomy

Questions to Reflect On

  • Do you let stereotypes dictate your learning?
  • How can you support others' choices?
A Different Perspective

Societal pressure may still limit access.

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