TOKYO: A Japanese magazine that advised women to compliment men on their intelligence by saying “You sound like Socrates” has been ridiculed in the country ranked one of the world’s worst for gender parity.

JJ, a major fashion magazine targeted at young women, encouraged readers to compare men to the classical Greek philosopher when they say something complicated.

A picture of the page sparked mirth when it was shared on Twitter — with some users noting that Socrates did not live happily ever after, as he was sentenced to death by drinking poison.

In 2018, Japan ranked 110th out of 149 countries in the World Economic Forum’s gender gap report, up from 114th the previous year.

The country remains low in the ranking despite Prime Minister Shinzo Abe pledging to promote women’s empowerment — his so-called “Womenomics” strategy.

Socrates is also credited with the famous remark: “By all means, marry. If you get a good wife, you will be happy. If you get a bad one, you will be a philosopher.”

Published in Dawn, December 6th, 2019