Design Quote by Marquis De Sade
“The debility to which Nature condemned women incontestably proves that her design is for man, who then more than ever enjoys his strength, to exercise it in all the violent forms that suit him best, by means of tortures, if he be so inclined, or worse”
About This Quote
Source Book: Justine, or The Misfortunes of Virtue by Marquis de Sade, 1791
The quote argues that women are naturally weaker, justifying male dominance and violence as a natural order.
In simple terms: Women are seen as weaker, men justified in using force.
Key Takeaway
Question gender stereotypes and power dynamics.
Themes
gender
power
violence
philosophy
nature
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
philosophical
controversial
When to use this quote
- historical analysis
- gender studies
- ethical debate
- literary criticism
Key Concepts
misogyny
natural law
dominance
Questions to Reflect On
- How does this perspective affect modern gender relations?
- Can power be exercised without violence?
A Different Perspective
The view is historically rooted in misogyny and ignores equality.
![“[A] woman should have every honorable motive to exertion which is enjoyed by man, to the full extent of her capacities and endowments. The case is too plain for argument. Nature has given woman the same powers, and subjected her to the same earth, breathes the same air, subsists on the same food…” quote by Frederick Douglass](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/926/frederick-douglass-859_air_a-woman-should-have-every-honorable-moti_2109951.jpg)
![“The law which attempts a man's life [capital punishment] is impractical, unjust, inadmissible. It has never repressed crime--for a second crime is every day committed at the foot of the scaffold.” quote by Marquis de Sade](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b85/marquis-de-sade-1964_capital-punishment_the-law-which-attempts-a-man-s-life-capi_99486.jpg)
