A woman does not want the truth; what is truth to women? From the beginning, nothing has been more alien, repugnant, and hostile to woman than the truth - her great art is the lie, her highest concern is mere appearance and beauty.
Friedrich Nietzsche
--Beyond Good and Evil
2007-03-18 14:21:52 · 20 answers · asked by michael H 4 in Social Science ➔ Gender Studies
I don't think he was talking so much about lying as he was putting on airs, avioding tough realizations and keeping up appearances. He is not suggesting they have any sinister or malicious intent, but rather that this is there state or nature.
2007-03-18 14:36:43 · update #1
Don't shoot the messenger folks,.
2007-03-18 14:38:03 · update #2
I'd say it applies to plenty around here (not to name names).
I'm interested in truth, though. Very much so.
2007-03-18 14:32:27 · answer #1 · answered by ? 6 · 3⤊ 3⤋
I disagree with the statement, but I do feel that it explains the behavior of several people on this site, both male and female.
I live my life by being truthful. I don't care how hurtful it is, I can take it and dish it out. I learned those lessons young in life, and making the decision to always tell the truth as I understand it has been one of my leading principles.
EDIT: OK, going with your interpretation of the statement (putting on airs, avioding tough realizations and keeping up appearances), there really is no telling. Some would say that society has caused women to behave a certain way. I would be more likely to agree that it is societal influence over a natural state. But this is coming from me: a woman who prefers harsh reality, doesn't wear make up, and hates high heels. :)
2007-03-18 14:26:15 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
No. However, men and women often don't "get" each other. It is also possible that Dr. Nietzsche's "truth" was an unflattering remark aimed at a specific woman, a stereotype about women, or a demand that some woman think more progressively than generally empowered to do in that era. Each of these lines of reasoning could reasonably be refuted by the woman or women present. Perhaps he did not like women or was unlucky in love, using his intellect to save face by railing at women.
2007-03-18 14:36:35 · answer #3 · answered by callmeplayfair 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Actually, I really don't like lies. Sometimes, I knopw I should lie a little bit, but I just can't help it!
Anyway, as someone said, this was written a long time ago, and men at that time didn't have a high opinion of women.
I'm sure some women lie, just as some men do. A lot of people lie, actually, which really is irritating.
2007-03-18 14:53:32 · answer #4 · answered by Offkey 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't agree with the statement but I do think that it applies to antifeminists and neo conservatives both male and female. I have yet to see lies except for the (cop/lawyer/military person/) and the fact is I was told that I was making up the statistics when I posted the question on Domestic Violence, despite the fact I edited and left a citation.
You still sound like you are whining and methinks this is another case of sour grapes.
2007-03-18 15:04:26 · answer #5 · answered by Elle M 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I, being a woman, do not agree with this statement. I know men who lie and I know women who lie. I know men who obsess about their looks, and I know women who do the same. It has nothing to do with gender, it is simply based on the personality.
Now adays, women have just as much to worry about as men do, and the only women who focus solely on appearance don't live in reality. Women have family, jobs, schooling, households, and all sorts of other stuff to worry about. In fact, most of the women I know barely have time to brush their hair before they leave the house.
The only person who would agree with this is either someone who doesn't know any real women, or someone who is very ignorant.
2007-03-18 14:32:30 · answer #6 · answered by Nidda 2 · 6⤊ 0⤋
Glad ya covered your azz on this one..=)
That statement sounds so outdated its almost funny...I imagine in the far past women were less concerned with the issues & more with themselves but in todays society its a new game & one in which theres more to be concerned with than looks & beauty..Like surviving life in general in todays economy..handling family & careers..etc...I think todays woman can handle the truth & if someone thinks not,they are sorely underestimating a woman..
2007-03-18 16:11:39 · answer #7 · answered by *toona* 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
That quote makes Nietzsche sound like a rabid misogynist. That's too bad, I've always had respect for him. But then, he lived in a time where women weren't considered people under the law. His views are more than a little primitive in this regard.
2007-03-18 14:25:01 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 6⤊ 1⤋
Well it sounds to me like the person who wrote this was probably just dumped by a woman he really liked. My advise to him is to let it go. It will probably take him a long time to get over her because he seems really bitter and no one will want to hang out with him. He should try watching comedy central so he laugh at the stupid jokes.
2007-03-18 18:00:01 · answer #9 · answered by J 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Well, that's pretty hostile, but I can also think of about a dozen guys off the top of my head that that description would fit like a glove.
2007-03-18 14:25:47 · answer #10 · answered by Emily Dew 7 · 6⤊ 0⤋
I wish I could respond to this is any way whatsoever, but on the Internet there is no way of telling gender. A self-proclaimed 14-year-old girl could really be a fat, unemployed 35-year-old man sitting by his keyboard. And vise-versa, of course.
2007-03-18 14:26:51 · answer #11 · answered by L.E. 2 · 4⤊ 1⤋