Able Quote by Phyllis McGinley
“Women are the fulfilled sex. Through our children we are able to produce our own immortality, so we lack that divine restlessness which sends men charging off in pursuit of fortune or fame or an imagined Utopia. That is why we number so few geniuses among us. The wholesome oyster wears no pearl, the healthy whale no ambergris, and as long as we can keep on adding to the race, we harbor a sort of health within ourselves.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: "The Oyster" by Phyllis McGinley, 1948
Women find fulfillment through motherhood, creating lasting legacy, which limits restless ambition and thus fewer geniuses.
In simple terms: Motherhood gives purpose, limiting restless ambition.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the value of nurturing over relentless pursuit.
Themes
motherhood
legacy
gender roles
creativity
contentment
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
analytical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- family planning
- career choices
- personal fulfillment
- cultural expectations
Key Concepts
existentialism
feminist thought
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How does societal expectation shape personal ambition?
- Can fulfillment be found outside motherhood?
A Different Perspective
May overlook individual aspirations beyond motherhood.
