“It is a natural virtue incident to our sex to be pitiful of those that are afflicted.”
- September 7, 1533 – March 24, 1603
- English
- Queen of England and Ireland, Monarch
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Quote
“It is a natural virtue incident to our sex to be pitiful of those that are afflicted.”
Explanation
In this statement, Elizabeth I acknowledges what was commonly regarded in her era as a feminine quality: compassion toward the suffering. By calling it a “natural virtue incident to our sex,” she affirms the cultural view that women possess an innate tenderness or empathy, particularly toward those in pain or distress. At the same time, she reclaims that stereotype as a moral strength rather than a weakness, framing it as a virtue with political and ethical value.
The quote also serves a strategic function in her reign. As a female monarch in a male-dominated world, Elizabeth often had to justify her authority by blending traditionally masculine traits of leadership with feminine virtues like mercy. By presenting compassion as intrinsic to her nature as a woman, she not only humanized her rule but also emphasized her moral legitimacy, particularly when making difficult decisions involving punishment, clemency, or social justice.
In a modern context, this quote prompts reflection on gendered assumptions about empathy and leadership. While society has moved beyond rigid stereotypes, the idea that compassion is a strength—regardless of gender—is increasingly recognized. Leaders today, male or female, who show empathy toward the afflicted often earn deeper public trust, underscoring the enduring relevance of Elizabeth’s insight.
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