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Moral character Quote by Leopold von Sacher-Masoch

“Why not?" she said, "and take note of what I am about to say to you. Never feel secure with the woman you love, for there are more dangers in woman's nature than you imagine. Women are neither as good as their admirers and defenders maintain, nor as bad as their enemies make them out to be…” quote by Leopold von Sacher-Masoch
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““Why not?" she said, "and take note of what I am about to say to you. Never feel secure with the woman you love, for there are more dangers in woman's nature than you imagine. Women are neither as good as their admirers and defenders maintain, nor as bad as their enemies make them out to be. Woman's character is characterlessness. The best woman will momentarily go down into the mire, and the worst unexpectedly rises to deeds of greatness and goodness and puts to shame those that despise her. No woman is so good or so bad, but that at any moment she is capable of the most diabolical as well as of the most divine, of the filthiest as well as of the purest, thoughts, emotions, and actions. In spite of all the advances of civilization, woman has remained as she came out of the hand of nature. She has the nature of a savage, who is faithful or faithless, magnanimous or cruel, according to the impulse that dominates at the moment. Throughout history it has always been a serious deep culture which has produced moral character. Man even when he is selfish or evil always follows principles, woman never follows anything but impulses. Don't ever forget that, and never feel secure with the woman you love.””

Leopold von Sacher-Masoch

About This Quote

Source Book: Venus in Furs by Leopold von Sacher-Masoch, 1870

The quote argues that women are inherently unpredictable, capable of both extreme good and evil, driven by impulses rather than principles, urging caution in trusting them fully.

In simple terms: Women are seen as unpredictable and driven by impulses.

Key Takeaway

Stay aware of the complexity in relationships.

Themes

trust gender human nature relationships

Mood

cautious reflective critical

Type

philosophical literary

When to use this quote

  • romantic partnership
  • marriage counseling
  • personal reflection
  • literary analysis

Key Concepts

impulsivity dual nature stereotypes

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do societal expectations shape perceptions of women's behavior?
  • Can individuals be judged beyond gendered stereotypes?
A Different Perspective

The view oversimplifies gender and ignores cultural influences on behavior.

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