Women may fall when there's no strength in men.

William Shakespeare’s words, “Women may fall when there’s no strength in men,” echo with both warning and lament. He observed in his time, as we may still observe in ours, that the stability of families, communities, and nations often depends upon the strength of character and the moral steadfastness of men. Where there is cowardice, corruption, or neglect among them, women and others who depend upon their protection or example may falter. It is not a claim of female weakness, but a rebuke to men who abandon their duty to uphold what is just, noble, and true.

The origin of this line is found in Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet, where it appears in a moment of reflection upon the consequences of weakness and failure in leadership. The Bard often portrayed the delicate balance between the choices of men and the fates of women. In this quote, he unveils the truth that when those entrusted with responsibility falter, the ripple effects bring harm to others—especially those whose lives are intertwined with theirs. In his poetic way, Shakespeare declared that weakness in one leads to the downfall of many.

History bears witness to this lesson. Consider the fall of Troy, immortalized in Homer’s epics. The men of the city, though valiant, allowed pride, division, and folly to guide them. When they failed in wisdom and in unity, the women of Troy paid the heavier price—enslavement, sorrow, and exile. Their suffering was not born of their own weakness but of the collapse of strength in the men who should have defended them with wisdom and foresight.

Another example lies in the tragedy of the French Revolution. When the monarchy faltered in courage and justice, failing to care for the starving poor, the women of Paris were driven into the streets to march on Versailles, demanding bread for their children. Their plight was not the result of their own failures but of the collapse of moral strength in those entrusted with rule. Where men forsook responsibility, women bore the brunt of hunger, instability, and violence.

Shakespeare’s line also speaks in a broader, symbolic sense. Strength in men does not mean mere physical might, but the inner virtues of courage, faithfulness, integrity, and sacrifice. When these are lacking, women—and indeed all of society—are left vulnerable. Men who abandon these virtues create a void where disorder, exploitation, and despair take root. But when men stand in true strength, women flourish, families are safe, and nations endure.

For those who hear this wisdom, the counsel is plain: let no man think his failings are his alone. His weakness reaches beyond himself and may cause those he loves most to stumble. Likewise, let men cultivate strength not for dominance, but for service—for to carry responsibility with honor is to guard and uplift others. The strength of a man is measured not by what he takes, but by what he preserves and protects.

Yet this teaching also calls upon women and all people: do not rest passively upon the failings of others. When weakness appears, summon courage yourself. For though Shakespeare lamented that “women may fall” when strength fails in men, history also shows women who rose with resilience when men faltered. Still, the wisdom remains: when both men and women embrace strength of spirit, then families, nations, and futures are secured.

Thus, let this truth endure: strength in men is not for themselves alone but for the safety and flourishing of all. When it fails, others suffer; when it endures, all are lifted. Let every generation remember that the fall of one may bring the fall of many, but the strength of one can guard the hopes of all.