Meaning: Mary Astell, an influential English writer, philosopher, and feminist, expressed the importance of striving for the perfection of our beings and seeking happiness to the fullest extent possible. In this quote, she encapsulates her beliefs regarding personal development, fulfillment, and the pursuit of happiness. Astell's ideas are rooted in her philosophical and feminist perspectives, which emphasize the empowerment and agency of individuals, particularly women, in shaping their own destinies.

Astell's emphasis on the "perfecting of our beings" suggests a commitment to self-improvement and the realization of one's full potential. This concept aligns with philosophical traditions that prioritize the cultivation of virtue, wisdom, and personal growth. Astell's advocacy for the perfecting of one's being can be interpreted as a call to engage in introspection, self-reflection, and the pursuit of knowledge and understanding. It underscores the idea that individuals have the capacity and responsibility to continually evolve and refine themselves in various aspects of their lives, including intellectually, morally, and emotionally.

Furthermore, Astell's assertion that "we be as happy as possibly we may" reflects her recognition of the significance of happiness as a fundamental human pursuit. This perspective resonates with philosophical traditions that prioritize eudaimonia, or flourishing, as a central goal of human existence. Astell's advocacy for the pursuit of happiness aligns with her feminist beliefs, as she sought to challenge societal constraints and empower women to seek fulfillment and joy in their lives. Her emphasis on happiness can be seen as a rejection of the notion that individuals, especially women, should passively accept their circumstances and forgo their own well-being in deference to societal expectations.

In her broader body of work, Mary Astell was a prominent advocate for the education and intellectual development of women. She argued for the establishment of educational institutions specifically for women, where they could pursue knowledge and cultivate their intellectual abilities. Astell believed that by providing women with opportunities for learning and personal growth, they could contribute meaningfully to society and lead fulfilling lives. Her advocacy for women's education and intellectual empowerment aligns with her emphasis on the perfecting of one's being, as she recognized the transformative potential of education in enabling individuals to realize their intellectual and personal aspirations.

Astell's quote also reflects her commitment to individual agency and autonomy. By asserting that individuals "ought as much as we can" to endeavor the perfecting of their beings and pursue happiness, she advocates for the active engagement of individuals in shaping their own lives. This emphasis on agency and self-determination aligns with Astell's broader feminist philosophy, which aimed to challenge the social and cultural norms that constrained women's opportunities and autonomy. In advocating for the perfecting of one's being and the pursuit of happiness, Astell encourages individuals to assert their own aspirations and desires, rather than being passive recipients of societal expectations.

In conclusion, Mary Astell's quote encapsulates her philosophical and feminist beliefs regarding personal development, fulfillment, and individual agency. Her emphasis on the perfecting of our beings underscores the importance of self-improvement and the realization of one's potential, while her advocacy for the pursuit of happiness reflects her commitment to empowering individuals, particularly women, to seek joy and fulfillment in their lives. Astell's ideas continue to resonate as a call to action for individuals to actively engage in their own personal development and strive for happiness to the fullest extent possible.