"The male is a domestic animal which, if treated with firmness and kindness, can be trained to do most things"

In this quote, author Jilly Cooper is making a comparison in between males and domestic animals. She recommends that men, like domestic animals, can be trained to do various jobs if they are treated with a combination of firmness and kindness. This implies that males tend to be persistent or resistant, but with the right technique, they can be formed and shaped into capable people. Cooper's use of the word "domestic" likewise suggests that males are anticipated to comply with social norms and expectations. Overall, this quote highlights the concept that men, like animals, can be influenced and shaped by their environment and treatment.