"Stupid as a man, say the women: cowardly as a woman, say the men. Stupidity in a woman is unwomanly"

Friedrich Nietzsche's quote, "Stupid as a guy, say the ladies: cowardly as a female, state the men. Stupidity in a woman is unwomanly," reveals a deep review of the gender predispositions and societal stereotypes pervasive throughout his time-- and still resonant today. This statement presents a dual examination of gender dynamics, illustrating how both males and females add to perpetuating certain stereotypes about the opposite gender.

To start with, the expression "Stupid as a man, state the women" suggests that females, in Nietzsche's view, might typically view males as lacking intelligence. This perception might stem from societal functions where men were viewed as less mentally expressive or more uncomplicated, possibly equating their habits to a lack of elegance or subtlety. On the other hand, "afraid as a lady, say the guys" shows a typical stereotype that perceives ladies as lacking guts, frequently criticized for being emotionally driven and less matched for leadership or fight.

Nietzsche then flips this story by asserting, "Stupidity in a lady is unwomanly." This phrase uncovers a paradox within gender expectations: society typically grants guys the leniency to be 'stupid' without it affecting their manly identity, whereas women face harsher judgment for perceived stupidity, opposing their anticipated functions. In this light, Nietzsche seems to slam the social standards that hold women to a higher requirement of intelligence or perceptiveness, indicating that such predispositions are unfair and inconsistent.

The quote functions as Nietzsche's commentary on the approximate nature of gender functions. It challenges the reader to question the basis of these stereotypes and acknowledge the societal constructs that dictate what is considered "manly" or "womanly." By highlighting these opposing views, Nietzsche brings into question the credibility and fairness of gender-based presumptions, promoting for a more nuanced understanding of human qualities that goes beyond gender.