In "The Stone Gods," Jeanette Winterson highlights the differences in perspectives between men and women regarding leadership and responsibility. Handsome points out that women tend to focus on personal experiences and relationships, suggesting that this emotional connection makes it challenging for them to attain positions of power. This observation implies a criticism of the way leadership is often conducted in a detached manner that may overlook essential human concerns.

Conversely, the narrator challenges this notion, arguing that the male tendency to remain emotionally removed has detrimental consequences. By neglecting personal and emotional perspectives, men contribute to the destruction of the world, ultimately leading to a situation where competent leadership is lacking. The exchange underscores the importance of empathy and personal connection in leadership roles, advocating for a deeper understanding of the issues that affect humanity as a whole.