This, the opening line of Book II, is de Beauvoir’s most famous statement. It represents the logical continuation of the proofs de Beauvoir offers in Book I to support her argument that femininity does not arise from differences in biology, psychology, or intellect. Rather, femininity is a construction of civilisation, a reflection not of “essential” differences in men and women but of differences in their situation. Situation determines character, not the other way around. Woman is not born fully formed; she is gradually shaped by her upbringing. Biology does not determine what makes a woman a woman—a woman learns her role from man and others in society. Woman is not born passive, secondary, and nonessential, but all the forces in the external world have conspired to make her so. Every individual self, regardless of gender, is entitled to subjectivity; it is only outside forces that have conspired to rob woman of this right. Destiny is not a cosmic force but a human choice, the result of culture and circumstance.

i really like this quote, it shows that people are not born who they will become ( on that note i fucking hate gender reveal parties, what an absolute pile of horse shit!) we can all be whoever we know we are, but that can also change and grow, i am not the same person i was ehn i was younger or even a year ago, i dont know why some people have a hard time understanding that people are always changing.

Lined A5 Book Block - Ivory paper made from 50% recycled fibres, 90 GSM, 210mm x 145mm, 112 pages – PortraitPlain A5 Book Block - White recycled paper made from 50% flat white cups, 130GSM, 212mm x 155mm (untrimmed pages), 60 pages - PortraitLined A6 Book Block - Ivory paper made from 50% recycled fibres, 90 GSM, 90mm x 130mm, 96 pages - PortraitPlain A6 Book Block - White recycled paper made from 50% flat white cups, 130 GSM, 107mm x 150mm, 60 pages - Portrait.

All endpapers are sourced from incredibly talented designers and are not the work of Woodle Books. Marble papers and splatter papers are from Jemma Lewis marble papers, Other designs are from Lagom ,who have sourced and work closely with a wide range of amazing designers and artists like Hanna Werning, Kelly Hyatt and Noi Papers for most of the naked ladies dancing or eating donuts.