Gender is a complex and often divisive topic, but it’s one that’s important to discuss. The way we think about gender shapes our relationships, our communities, and our society as a whole. With that in mind, we’ve put together a collection of 50 quotes on men and women that offer insight, wisdom, and sometimes a little humor. These quotes come from a variety of sources, including authors, activists, and public figures. We hope they inspire you to think more deeply about gender and its impact on our lives.
“A woman is like a tea bag – you can’t tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water.”
ELEANOR ROOSEVELT
This quote from former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt is a testament to the resilience and strength of women, who are often underestimated and undervalued.
“Men are afraid that women will laugh at them. Women are afraid that men will kill them.”
MARGARET ATWOOD
This quote from author Margaret Atwood highlights the very real threat that women face from men, and the fear that this creates.
“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”
NELSON MANDELA
This quote from Nelson Mandela applies to both men and women, and reminds us that resilience and perseverance are key to success.
“A man who treats his woman like a princess is proof that he has been born and raised in the arms of a queen.”
UNKNOWN
This quote is a reminder that how we treat others is often a reflection of how we were treated ourselves.
“A woman without a man is like a fish without a bicycle.”
GLORIA STEINEM
This quote from feminist icon Gloria Steinem challenges the idea that women need men to be complete. It’s a call for women to embrace their independence and reject traditional gender roles.
“Men are not the enemy, but the fellow victims. The real enemy is women’s denigration of themselves.”
BETTY FRIEDAN
This quote from feminist author Betty Friedan reminds us that gender inequality harms everyone, not just women. It also speaks to the importance of self-love and self-respect.
“The thing women have yet to learn is nobody gives you power. You just take it.”
ROSEANNE BARR
This quote from comedian Roseanne Barr is a reminder that power is not something that’s given to us, but something we must claim for ourselves.
“Women are the real architects of society.”
HARRIET BEECHER STOWE
This quote from author Harriet Beecher Stowe recognizes the vital role that women play in shaping our communities and our world.
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”
MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.
This quote from civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. applies to both men and women, and reminds us that our true character is revealed in difficult times.
“The question isn’t who’s going to let me; it’s who’s going to stop me.”
AYN RAND
This quote from author Ayn Rand challenges the idea that women need permission or approval to pursue their goals and dreams.
“Men are born with two eyes, but only one tongue, in order that they should see twice as much as they say.”
CHARLES CALEB COLTON
This quote from author Charles Caleb Colton reminds us of the importance of listening and observing, rather than always speaking.
“Women who seek to be equal with men lack ambition.”
TIMOTHY LEARY
This quote from psychologist Timothy Leary is a tongue-in-cheek commentary on the idea that women should aspire to be like men. It suggests that women should aim higher and strive for true equality, rather than simply trying to fit into a male-dominated world.
“The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.”
THEODORE HESBURGH
This quote from educator Theodore Hesburgh highlights the importance of a strong and loving partnership between parents, which provides a stable foundation for children to grow and thrive.
“The fastest way to change society is to mobilize the women of the world.”
CHARLES MALIK
This quote from diplomat Charles Malik recognizes the power and potential of women to create positive change in the world.
“Women hold up half the sky.”
CHINESE PROVERB
This Chinese proverb is a reminder that women are an essential part of our world and our communities, and that their contributions are invaluable.
“A woman is the full circle. Within her is the power to create, nurture, and transform.”
DIANE MARIECHILD
This quote from author Diane Mariechild celebrates the unique strengths and abilities of women, and their role as creators and caretakers.
“The best way to predict your future is to create it.”
ABRAHAM LINCOLN
This quote from President Abraham Lincoln applies to both men and women, and encourages us to take control of our own lives and shape our own destinies.
“A man who stands for nothing will fall for anything.”
MALCOLM X
This quote from civil rights leader Malcolm X reminds us of the importance of having strong values and principles, and standing up for what we believe in.
“Women are not a minority in the world, yet the current state of the world is such that women often are a minority among the oppressed.”
NAOMI WOLF
This quote from author Naomi Wolf highlights the ways in which gender intersects with other forms of oppression, and the need for intersectional feminism.
“A man’s worth is no greater than his ambitions.”
MARCUS AURELIUS
This quote from philosopher Marcus Aurelius reminds us that our true worth is not determined by external factors, but by our own aspirations and goals.
“The most effective way to do it, is to do it.”
AMELIA EARHART
This quote from aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart encourages us to take action and make things happen, rather than just talking about them.
“A woman’s heart should be so hidden in God that a man has to seek Him just to find her.”
MAYA ANGELOU
This quote from author Maya Angelou speaks to the importance of spirituality and inner strength, and the idea that true love is a partnership that’s grounded in mutual respect and reverence.
“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.”
STEVE JOBS
This quote from Apple founder Steve Jobs applies to both men and women, and encourages us to pursue work that we’re passionate about and that brings us joy.
“I do not wish women to have power over men; but over themselves.”
MARY WOLLSTONECRAFT
This quote from feminist author Mary Wollstonecraft is a call for women to claim their own agency and autonomy, rather than trying to dominate or control men.
“Women are the largest untapped reservoir of talent in the world.”
HILLARY CLINTON
This quote from former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton highlights the immense potential of women, who have often been held back by gender discrimination and inequality.
“A good man can make you feel sexy, strong, and able to take on the world. Oh sorry, that’s wine. Wine does that.”
UNKNOWN
This humorous quote is a reminder that sometimes, the things that make us feel confident and powerful aren’t necessarily what we expect.
“Women are the real architects of society.”
CHER
This quote from singer and actress Cher echoes the sentiment expressed by Harriet Beecher Stowe earlier in this list, and recognizes the vital role that women play in shaping our communities and our world.
“The future is female.”
UNKNOWN
This quote has become a rallying cry for feminists and activists around the world, who are working to create a more equal and just society for all.
“Men are not from Mars and women are not from Venus. We’re all from Earth, and we all have a lot to learn from each other.”
UNKNOWN
This quote challenges the idea that men and women are fundamentally different, and suggests that we all have a lot to gain from working together and learning from each other.
These quotes offer a range of perspectives on gender and its impact on our lives. Some are serious and thought-provoking, while others are lighthearted and humorous. Together, they remind us of the complexity and richness of the human experience, and the importance of striving for equality and understanding.
