July 23, 2025

Whatever happens, never forget that people would rather be led to perdition by a man, than to victory by a woman.

Rebecca West (1892–1983), British writer, journalist, critic, In The Sunday Telegraph 17 January 1988, Jay p.385

Is misogyny so deeply rooted in the male psyche that this could possibly still be true today (in 2025)—37 years later? If not so, what has changed, if anything, in the intervening years?

What is it about men that makes this ring true? And about women? Does Freud have an answer? How about Betty Friedan?