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Abnegation Quote by John Stuart Mill

“All women are brought up from the very earliest years in the belief that their ideal of character is the very opposite to that of men; not self-will, and government by self-control, but submission and yielding to the control of others. All the moralities tell them that it is their nature to live…” quote by John Stuart Mill
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“All women are brought up from the very earliest years in the belief that their ideal of character is the very opposite to that of men; not self-will, and government by self-control, but submission and yielding to the control of others. All the moralities tell them that it is their nature to live for others; to make complete abnegation of themselves, and to have no life but in their affections.”

John Stuart Mill

About This Quote

Women are socially conditioned to prioritize others over self, promoting submission rather than self‑will.

In simple terms: Society teaches women to serve, not lead.

Key Takeaway

Encourage self‑determination.

Themes

gender roles social conditioning self‑sacrifice submission autonomy

Mood

critical empowering

Type

philosophical activist

When to use this quote

  • education reform
  • empowerment programs
  • personal development

Key Concepts

feminism individualism ethical philosophy

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can women claim agency?
  • What cultural shifts are needed?
A Different Perspective

May oversimplify diverse experiences.

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