Feminism Quote by Ursula K. Le Guin
““The First Mobile, if one is sent, must be warned that unless he is very self-assured, or senile, his pride will suffer. A man wants his virility regarded, a woman wants her femininity appreciated, however indirect and subtle the indications of regard and appreciation. On Winter they will not exist. One is respected and judged only as a human being. It is an appalling experience.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Left Hand of Darkness, Ursula K. Le Guin, 1969
The quote warns that without confidence, pride can be damaged; gendered expectations of respect are fragile and often disappear in harsh conditions, leaving people judged only as humans, which can be shocking.
In simple terms: Pride and gender expectations crumble without confidence; harsh settings reduce people to basic humanity, causing discomfort.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and nurture confidence, and be mindful of gendered expectations.
Themes
gender
pride
confidence
humanity
social expectations
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
observational
critical
When to use this quote
- workplace
- relationships
- cold environments
- team building
- leadership
Key Concepts
identity
social dynamics
psychology
masculinity
femininity
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you support confidence in others?
- What impact do gender expectations have on self‑esteem?
A Different Perspective
It may overlook cultural variations where gender roles differ or where pride is less tied to external validation.
![“A man wants his virility regarded. A woman wants her femininity appreciated, however indirect and subtle the indications of regard and appreciation. [Here] one is respected and judged only as a human being. It is an appalling experience.” quote by Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3d6/anonymous-1_appreciated_a-man-wants-his-virility-regarded-a-woma_916704.jpg)
