On Understanding Women

IT was an awkward and embarrassing experience. We did not mean to be eavesdropping; but in the circumstances, how could we help it?… (p.11)

“I don’t think,” she said in a trembling voice, a voice in which a whole world of subdued passion slumbered, “I don’t think you understand me! I don’t think you understand women at all!” (p.12)

For, of men, there are only two kinds – those who understand women and those who don’t. (p. 12)

In a world like this, you can only get the best out of people if you make an honest attempt to understand them. (p. 19)

I do not hesitate to affirm that no man can succeed in the Christian ministry unless he makes a serious and earnest attempt to understand women. (p. 19)

Women do not think in the same way; do not feel in the same way; do not speak in the same way; and the same methods of argument do not appeal to them. Their way is neither a better way nor a worse way than the way of the men; it is a different way: that is all. Nine times out of ten they will reach the same conclusion: but they will reach it by a different road. (p. 20)

From every point of view, the New Testament is an amazing document; but, considered in relation to its attitude towards women, it is amazing in a truly superlative degree … the New Testament is absolutely unique: it is like a lily among thorns … Jesus was the discoverer of womanhood: he revealed its dignity and elicited its charm… (p. 21)