--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Take away a man's actual sense of manhood…" description: "\"Take away a man's actual sense of manhood - which is conventionally based on the ability to work, to earn money, to be self-sufficient, to provide for ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1ab/fran-lebowitz-690_ability_take-away-a-man-s-actual-sense-of-manhoo_1624099.png" --- # Take away a man's actual sense of manhood - which is… ![“Take away a man's actual sense of manhood - which is conventionally based on the ability to work, to earn money, to be self-sufficient, to provide for children - and you've got to give them something else. And they did.” quote by Fran Lebowitz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1ab/fran-lebowitz-690_ability_take-away-a-man-s-actual-sense-of-manhoo_1624099.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1ab/fran-lebowitz-690_ability_take-away-a-man-s-actual-sense-of-manhoo_1624099.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1ab/fran-lebowitz-690_ability_take-away-a-man-s-actual-sense-of-manhoo_1624099.png) > “Take away a man's actual sense of manhood - which is conventionally based on the ability to work, to earn money, to be self-sufficient, to provide for children - and you've got to give them something else. And they did.” [Fran Lebowitz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/fran-lebowitz/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The passage argues that traditional notions of masculinity tied to work and provision are insufficient, and men need alternative sources of identity and purpose. **In simple terms:** Manhood isn’t just about work or money. Key Takeaway Find identity beyond conventional gender expectations. Themes gender identity masculinity Mood thoughtful critical Type sociological philosophical When to use this quote - career counseling - parenting - mental health support - community groups Key Concepts social construction self‑worth Questions to Reflect On - How can society support men in redefining purpose? - What alternative values can replace material success? A Different Perspective Changing deep‑rooted cultural norms is challenging. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Ability](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ability/) [Children](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/children/) [Earn Money](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/earn-money/) [Giving](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/giving/) [Manhood](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/manhood/) [Men](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/men/) [Money](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/money/) [Self](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/self/) [Self sufficient](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/self-sufficient/) ## Related quotes > [The Bolshevists would blow up the fabric with high explosive, with horror. 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Yet the education we provide our children now is supposed…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jim-hunt/who-knows-what-technology-will-emerge-in-the-next-five-years-let/) [Jim Hunt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jim-hunt/) > [Failing to provide children adequate access to nutritious food not only endangers their emotional, physical and mental development, but it also puts all aspects…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jane-bown/failing-to-provide-children-adequate-access-to-nutritious-food-not/) Jane Bown > [My job as a mother isn't just to provide for my children, it's to be there for them, too - someone they can speak…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/holly-willoughby/my-job-as-a-mother-isn-t-just-to-provide-for-my-children-it-s-to-be/) [Holly Willoughby](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/holly-willoughby/) > [I've chosen never to go on welfare. 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