Bears Quote by Ursula K. Le Guin
“If women had power, what would men be but women who can't bear children? And what would women be but men who can?" "Hah!" went Tenar; and presently, with some cunning, she said, "Haven't there been queens? Weren't they women of power?" "A queen's only a she-king," said Ged. She snorted. "I mean, men give her power. They let her use their power. But it isn't hers, is it? It isn't because she's a woman that she's powerful, but despite it.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: Earthsea Cycle, 1990s
Power structures are often gendered, and true authority may be delegated rather than inherent.
In simple terms: Power can be given, not just earned.
Key Takeaway
Question who truly holds power.
Themes
gender
power
authority
identity
politics
Mood
reflective
critical
thought‑provoking
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- Political debate
- gender studies
- leadership training
- activism
- literary analysis
Key Concepts
Patriarchy
delegated authority
gender roles
Questions to Reflect On
- How does gender affect perceived authority?
- Can power be truly shared?
A Different Perspective
The quote assumes power is always external, ignoring self‑empowerment.
![“If women had power, what would men be but women who can't bear children? And what would women be but men who can?...I mean, men give her [a queen] power. They let her use their power. But it isn't hers, is it? It isn't because she's a woman that she's powerful, but despite it.” quote by Ursula K. Leguin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7b9/ursula-k-leguin-70755_children_if-women-had-power-what-would-men-be-but_1132328.jpg)
![“The rationale which accompanies that imposition of male authority euphemistically referred to as 'the battle of the sexes' bears a certain resemblance to the formulas of nations at war, where any heinousness is justified on the grounds that the enemy is either an inferior [part of the] species or…” quote by Kate Millett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/895/kate-millett-7301_accompany_the-rationale-which-accompanies-that-imp_8896.jpg)
