“Masculinity is not something given to…”

“Masculinity is not something given to you, but something you gain. And you gain it by winning small battles with honor.”

— Norman Mailer

Verified"Petty Notes on Some Sex in America" first published in Playboy magazine (1961 - 1962) · evidenceMen

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For academic work, cite the original where you can: "Petty Notes on Some Sex in America" first published in Playboy magazine (1961 - 1962).

APA

Mailer, N. (n.d.). Masculinity is not something given to you, but something you gain. And you gain it by winning small battles with honor. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/28927-masculinity-is-not-something-given-to-you-but/

MLA

Mailer, Norman. “Masculinity is not something given to you, but something you gain. And you gain it by winning small battles with honor.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/28927-masculinity-is-not-something-given-to-you-but/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Mailer, Norman. “Masculinity is not something given to you, but something you gain. And you gain it by winning small battles with honor.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/28927-masculinity-is-not-something-given-to-you-but/.

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