Famous quote by Lafcadio Hearn

"The great principle of Western society is that competition rules here as it rules in everything else. The best man - that is to say, the strongest and cleverest - is likely to get the best woman, in the sense of the most beautiful person"

About this Quote

This quote by Lafcadio Hearn reflects a point of view on Western society that centers around competitors as an assisting principle in both social and individual aspects of life. Hearn suggests that competition is not only dominant in economic and political arenas however likewise in personal relationships and social structures. The metaphorical battleground here is human interaction, where people strive to prosper based on qualities like strength and intelligence.

In the context of romantic relationships, Hearn asserts that the "best" man, characterized by strength and cleverness, is most likely to protect the "finest" woman, described as the most gorgeous. This declaration can be translated as a review of societal worths that prioritize and reward particular characteristics, such as physical beauty and psychological skill, over other qualities like generosity, empathy, or moral stability. Hearn's commentary could be seen as a reflection of a Darwinian view of human relationships, where natural selection mirrors societal competition, focusing on the survival of the fittest in regards to mating and social status.

Moreover, the quote highlights a perception of gender characteristics of the time, exposing an objectification of women, who are valued mainly for their physical appearance. The concept lowers intricate human relationships to transactional exchanges based upon shallow qualities, which in turn strengthens gender stereotypes and social norms where females's worth is tied to appeal, and males are assessed by their intellectual and physical supremacy.

Hearn's words might also underline a critique of Western materialism and social Darwinism, explaining how these principles might impoverish human relationships by framing them as competitive conquests rather than mutual collaborations. It challenges the reader to assess how competitors as a societal worth influences personal relationships and whether alternative paradigms might result in more equitable and richer human connections. Hence, this quote acts as a lens through which we can take a look at and review the values that underpin Western societal structures.

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About the Author

Japan Flag This quote is written / told by Lafcadio Hearn between June 27, 1850 and September 26, 1904. He/she was a famous Author from Japan. The author also have 30 other quotes.
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