“So true is it that unnatural generally means only uncustomary, and that everything which is usual appears natural. The subjection of women to men being a universal custom, any departure from it quite naturally appears unnatural.”
This powerful observation comes from the philosopher John Stuart Mill. It serves as the cornerstone of his groundbreaking 1869 essay, The Subjection of Women. The quote elegantly dissects a fundamental human bias. We often mistake long-standing traditions for the laws of nature. Mill argues that societal norms, especially those concerning gender, are not based on inherent truths. Instead, they are simply customs we have repeated for generations. Consequently, they feel permanent and correct.
Mill’s words challenge us to look beyond what is familiar. He asks us to question the very foundation of social structures. This idea was revolutionary in the 19th century. Moreover, it remains incredibly relevant today as we continue to untangle custom from truth in our pursuit of a more equitable world.
The Origin: A Radical Essay in a Conservative Era
The quote is a central thesis in The Subjection of Women. John Stuart Mill wrote this essay during the Victorian era. At the time, women in Britain had very few legal rights. They could not vote. Upon marriage, their property often became their husband’s. Access to higher education and most professions was also severely restricted. Society largely confined women to the domestic sphere, viewing them as intellectually and physically inferior to men.
Against this backdrop, Mill’s essay was a radical call for equality. He argued for women’s suffrage and for complete gender parity in legal and social institutions. Mill methodically dismantled the common arguments used to justify women’s subordination. He contended that we could not know the true nature of women. Why? Because we had only ever seen them in a state of subjugation. Therefore, any perceived inferiority was a product of their circumstances, not their innate abilities.
The Influence of Harriet Taylor Mill
It is crucial to acknowledge the profound influence of Mill’s wife, Harriet Taylor Mill. Source She was a philosopher and women’s rights advocate in her own right. Mill himself credited her as a co-author of many of his works, including this essay. Her insights on liberty, equality, and individual rights deeply shaped the final text. Their partnership was an intellectual collaboration that produced one of feminism’s foundational documents.
Breaking Down the Argument
Mill’s quote builds its case in a logical, step-by-step manner. By understanding each part, we can grasp its full impact.
Unnatural vs. Uncustomary
First, Mill establishes a powerful equivalence: what we call “unnatural” is usually just “uncustomary.” People often defend the status quo by claiming it is the “natural order.” For example, opponents of women’s education in the 19th century argued it was unnatural for women to pursue intellectual work. Mill refutes this by showing that the argument from nature is often a defense of tradition. It is a way to resist change without logical examination. What feels natural is simply what we are used to seeing. This simple yet profound observation exposes a deep-seated cognitive bias.
The Custom of Female Subjection
Next, Mill applies this general principle to the specific issue of gender inequality. He states, “The subjection of women to men being a universal custom…” This was an undeniable fact of his time and, indeed, of most recorded history. Because this power imbalance was everywhere, it appeared to be a feature of the world itself. It seemed as fundamental and unchangeable as gravity. However, Mill identifies it not as a natural law but as a “universal custom.” This re-framing is critical. Customs are man-made and can be changed. Natural laws cannot.
By calling it a custom, he strips the practice of its authority. He suggests its origins lie not in biology or divine will but in the historical dominance of physical strength. This dominance, he argued, became entrenched in law and tradition long after it ceased to be relevant. As a result, generations grew up accepting this arrangement as completely normal and natural.
The Modern Relevance of Mill’s Insight
Mill’s argument extends far beyond 19th-century feminism. It provides a timeless framework for social critique. The idea that “the usual appears natural” helps explain resistance to nearly every major social advancement. For instance, the fight for civil rights, the legalization of same-sex marriage, and debates over non-traditional family structures all faced opposition rooted in appeals to “nature” and “tradition.”
In each case, advocates for change had to overcome the powerful illusion that the existing custom was the only natural way. Mill’s quote teaches us to be skeptical of such claims. It encourages us to ask critical questions. Is a rule or social norm based on reason and justice? Or is it merely a relic of a past we have failed to examine? Today, we can apply this lens to unconscious biases in the workplace, gendered marketing, and lingering stereotypes about roles and responsibilities in the home.
In summary, John Stuart Mill’s famous quote is more than a historical artifact. It is an active tool for critical thinking. It challenges us to distinguish between what is truly natural and what is merely familiar. By doing so, we can better identify and dismantle the unjust customs that limit human potential.