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Done Quote by Simone de Beauvoir

“To refuse everything, to say, even when there is something which really should be done, "Ah, that's no longer feminist," is a pessimistic, even masochistic tendency in women, the result of having been habituated to inertia, to pessimism.” quote by Simone de Beauvoir
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“To refuse everything, to say, even when there is something which really should be done, "Ah, that's no longer feminist," is a pessimistic, even masochistic tendency in women, the result of having been habituated to inertia, to pessimism.”

Simone de Beauvoir

About This Quote

Source Book: The Second Sex, Simone de Beauvoir, 1949

Women internalize inertia, labeling necessary action as “un‑feminist,” leading to pessimism and masochism.

In simple terms: Women reject action fearing it isn’t feminist.

Key Takeaway

Recognize agency as feminist.

Themes

feminism inertia masochism agency habitualism

Mood

critical empowering

Type

philosophical political

When to use this quote

  • activism
  • career decisions
  • personal growth

Key Concepts

existential feminism psychology social conditioning

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can feminism empower action?
  • What habits sustain inertia?
A Different Perspective

Risk of blaming all women for inertia.

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