Virginity is now a mere preamble or waiting room to be got out of as soon as possible; it is without significance. Old age is similarly a waiting room, where you go after life's over and wait for cancer or a stroke. The years before and after the menstrual years are vestigial: the only meaningful condition left to women is that of fruitfulness.

Summary

This quote reflects a cynical perspective on the diminishing value placed on virginity and old age in society. It suggests that virginity has lost its importance as a significant milestone, becoming a temporary state to be quickly discarded. Similarly, old age is portrayed as a mere waiting period after life's purpose has ended, with illness being the only relevant experience. The quote implies that women's worth is now primarily defined by their ability to bear children, dismissing other periods of their lives as insignificant.

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