Meaning: Mary Astell, an influential English writer and feminist philosopher, is known for advocating for women's rights and education during the 17th and 18th centuries. The quote "Women are from their very infancy debarred those Advantages with the want of which they are afterwards reproached" encapsulates Astell's belief that women are deprived of opportunities and resources from a young age, only to be blamed for lacking these advantages later in life.

Astell's quote highlights the systemic barriers and inequalities that women face from childhood, which ultimately shape their opportunities and achievements as adults. The phrase "from their very infancy" emphasizes the early and formative stages of a woman's life, suggesting that the limitations imposed on girls and young women have lasting consequences. Astell addresses the paradoxical nature of society's treatment of women, pointing out that they are denied essential advantages and opportunities early in life, yet are later criticized for not possessing them.

Throughout her writings, Astell challenged the prevailing societal norms that restricted women's access to education, property rights, and meaningful participation in public life. She argued that women's intellectual potential and capabilities were equal to men's, and that it was unjust to deprive them of the opportunities necessary for personal and societal advancement. Astell's advocacy for women's education and empowerment laid the groundwork for later feminist movements and continues to inspire contemporary discussions on gender equality.

The quote also sheds light on the concept of "reproach," indicating that women are often blamed or criticized for the very limitations imposed upon them by societal structures. This idea aligns with the broader theme of victim-blaming and the tendency to hold women accountable for circumstances beyond their control. Astell's astute observation calls attention to the double standards and injustices faced by women, who are simultaneously denied opportunities and then censured for the consequences of that denial.

Astell's influential work, particularly her book "A Serious Proposal to the Ladies" published in 1694, directly addressed the educational and social limitations imposed on women. She urged women to seek intellectual and personal development, advocating for the establishment of educational institutions specifically for women. Astell's ideas were groundbreaking for her time, as she pushed back against the prevalent belief that women were inherently inferior and intellectually incapable.

In conclusion, Mary Astell's quote "Women are from their very infancy debarred those Advantages with the want of which they are afterwards reproached" encapsulates her critique of the systemic barriers and injustices faced by women. The quote serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring relevance of Astell's advocacy for women's rights and her recognition of the societal forces that hinder women's opportunities and progress. Astell's ideas continue to resonate in contemporary discussions on gender equality and serve as a testament to her enduring legacy as a pioneering feminist philosopher.