1965 Speech Quotes
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Source: 1965 Speech
Speaker: Margaret Thatcher
In politics, if you want anything said, ask a man. If you want anything done, ask a woman.
Context
This line was spoken by Margaret Thatcher in speech to the National Union of Townswomen's Guilds Conference (May 20, 1965).
The United Kingdom's first female prime minister should have some pretty good insights about being a woman in a position of power. This one, which she first uttered long before she became head of state, is pretty darn funny. Men make up most of the elected officials in England, but, as Thatcher says, they don't actually do anything. They just give a bunch of speeches. Want something done? Maybe it's time to ask a lady to do it.
Where you've heard it
This is a super quotable line from a super famous lady, so you've probably heard people referencing it when they're talking about women stepping into positions that the patriarchy doesn't think they're suited for. Man, we hate the patriarchy.
Additional Notable References:
- Craig Ferguson joked about this line, saying, "If you want absolutely nothing said or done, ask a cat."
- Meryl Streep showed us the difficulty of female leadership in The Iron Lady.
- In 2008, Tina Fey and Amy Poehler defended Hillary Clinton on SNL with an updated spin on Margaret Thatcher's words—"B***hes get stuff done!"
Pretentious Factor
If you were to drop this quote at a dinner party, would you get an in-unison "awww" or would everyone roll their eyes and never invite you back? Here it is, on a scale of 1-10.
Depending on where you drop this little pearl of wisdom, you'll see a whole lot of heads nodding in agreement. Ladies only book club? Good idea. Tailgating before a football game with the guys? Crickets.