Authority Quote by John Milton
“Whence true authority in men: though both Not equal, as their sex not equal seemed; For contemplation he and valour formed, For softness she and sweet attractive grace; He for God only, she for God in him.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: Paradise Lost, Book I, 1667
The passage contrasts male and female virtues, assigning men to contemplation and valor, women to softness and grace, both serving God.
In simple terms: Men and women have different virtues but share divine purpose.
Key Takeaway
Value both strength and gentleness.
Themes
gender roles
virtue
theology
spiritual equality
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
philosophical
theological
When to use this quote
- religious discourse
- philosophical debate
- gender studies
- ethical reflection
Key Concepts
masculine
feminine
divine purpose
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you reconcile traditional gender virtues with contemporary equality?
- Can virtues be shared across genders?
A Different Perspective
Modern views see gender traits as socially constructed, not fixed.
![“The rationale which accompanies that imposition of male authority euphemistically referred to as 'the battle of the sexes' bears a certain resemblance to the formulas of nations at war, where any heinousness is justified on the grounds that the enemy is either an inferior [part of the] species or…” quote by Kate Millett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/895/kate-millett-7301_accompany_the-rationale-which-accompanies-that-imp_8896.jpg)