Source: 1960s, Strength to Love (1963), Ch. 1 : A tough mind and a tender heart
Context: Jesus recognized the need for blending opposites. He knew that his disciples would face a difficult and hostile world, where they would confront the recalcitrance of political officials and the intransigence of the protectors of the old order. He knew that they would meet cold and arrogant men whose hearts had been hardened by the long winter of traditionalism. … And he gave them a formula for action, "Be ye therefore as wise as serpents, and harmless as doves." … We must combine the toughness of the serpent with the softness of the dove, a tough mind and a tender heart.
“The woman who survives intact and happy must be at once tender and tough.”
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Maya Angelou 247
American author and poet 1928–2014Related quotes
“Women should be tough, tender, laugh as much as possible, and live long lives.”
Yanni in Words. Miramax Books. Co-author David Rensin
“Like it or not, we were built tough,
Because we're woman.”
Song lyrics, The Kick Inside (1978)
Variant: Like it or not, we keep bouncing back,
Because we're woman.
“We must spoil our women, boy. A happy woman makes a happy home. An unhappy one makes us drink.”
Source: Styxx
Fourth Interlude http://www.gutenberg.org/files/30630/30630-h/30630-h.htm#Page_93
A Guide to Men (1922)