Collapse Quote by Wyndham Lewis
“Men were only made into 'men' with great difficulty even in primitive society: the male is not naturally 'a man' any more than the woman. He has to be propped up into that position with some ingenuity, and is always likely to collapse.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Art of Being, 1915
Societal expectations force men to construct masculinity, which is fragile and requires constant effort.
In simple terms: Manhood is a constructed role, not innate.
Recognize and challenge rigid gender norms.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- workplace
- family dynamics
- education
- media representation
- personal relationships
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you define masculinity for yourself?
- What supports can help deconstruct harmful gender expectations?
Masculinity can be reinforced by cultural narratives, making change difficult.