Women’s historical absence of genius follows from denied opportunity

Evidence

As for the argument drawn from history, we have just seen what we should think of it; the historical past cannot be considered as defining an eternal truth; it merely translates a situation that is showing itself to be historical precisely in that it is in the process of changing. How could women ever have had genius when all possibility of accomplishing a work of genius—or just a work—was refused them? — Simone de Beauvoir, The Second Sex, 1952

Categorization

• XREF: The refusal-of-possibility causality connects to the book’s recurring thesis that woman’s freedom is structurally foreclosed; also parallels the Jefferson quote about needing to live before justifying one’s existence. — connects to: Material and social circumstances rather than talent barred women from artistic genius; Women lack the practice of sovereign solitude needed for creative transcendence. — Simone de Beauvoir, The Second Sex, 1948; Women’s lack of creative genius stems from situation, not essence — Simone de Beauvoir, The Second Sex, 1952 (+8 more)

Broader Connections

• Women’s lack of creative genius stems from situation, not essence #corroborates (0.95) — Simone de Beauvoir, The Second Sex, 1952
• Women’s literary mediocrity stems from social situation, not natural destiny #corroborates (0.93) — Simone de Beauvoir, The Second Sex, 1947
• Historical insignificance caused women’s inferiority, not the reverse. #expands (0.90) — Simone de Beauvoir, The Second Sex, 289
• Woman’s apparent naturalness is itself a product of history #corroborates (0.82)
• Woman is a historical situation, not an immutable essence #complicates (0.80) — Simone de Beauvoir, The Second Sex, 675
• Feminist historians show male prowess shaped archival production and excluded women’s histories #corroborates (0.78)
• Women’s historical perception as non-agentic shapes expectations about their success #complicates (0.75)
• Implicit chivalric romantic ideals reduce women’s career and income ambitions #complicates (0.72) — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 771