Meaning: The quote "God is His own Design and End, and that there is no other Worthy of Him," by Mary Astell, encapsulates a profound and complex philosophical and theological concept. Mary Astell was an English feminist writer, philosopher, and rhetorician who lived in the 17th and 18th centuries. She was an important figure in the early feminist movement and made significant contributions to the fields of philosophy and theology. In this quote, Astell grapples with the nature of God and His significance in the universe, reflecting her deep engagement with religious and philosophical thought.

Astell's quote suggests that God is self-sufficient and self-contained, existing as the ultimate source and purpose of His own being. This idea aligns with traditional theological concepts of the divine, particularly within the Christian tradition, where God is often understood as the uncaused cause and the ultimate reality from which all existence emanates. The notion that God is His own "Design and End" implies that He is not dependent on anything external to Himself for His existence or fulfillment. Instead, He is complete and perfect in His own nature, encompassing all that is necessary for His being and purpose.

Furthermore, Astell's assertion that "there is no other Worthy of Him" underscores the uniqueness and transcendence of God within the context of religious devotion and worship. This statement reflects the monotheistic belief in the absolute sovereignty and supremacy of God, emphasizing that there is no other entity or being that can rival or surpass His divine attributes. In monotheistic traditions such as Christianity, Islam, and Judaism, the concept of God's incomparability and unrivaled status as the object of ultimate devotion and reverence is central to the theological framework.

Astell's quote can also be interpreted in light of philosophical discussions about the nature of God and His relationship to the created world. The idea that God is His own "Design and End" resonates with the classical philosophical concept of a self-sufficient and self-sustaining first cause, as articulated in the works of philosophers such as Aristotle and Thomas Aquinas. According to this view, God is the ultimate source of order and purpose in the cosmos, and His existence is not contingent upon anything outside of Himself. This understanding of God's self-sufficiency has been a subject of contemplation and debate within the history of philosophy and theology.

Moreover, Astell's quote raises important questions about human understanding of the divine and the implications of God's self-sufficiency for religious practice and moral reflection. If God is His own "Design and End," what does this mean for the relationship between humanity and the divine? How does the recognition of God's self-contained nature shape our ethical and spiritual inquiries? These are profound inquiries that have animated theological and philosophical discourse for centuries, prompting individuals to ponder the implications of God's transcendence and immanence for human existence and moral agency.

In conclusion, Mary Astell's quote "God is His own Design and End, and that there is no other Worthy of Him" encapsulates profound insights into the nature of God, the foundations of religious devotion, and the intersections of philosophy and theology. Astell's contemplation on the self-sufficiency and transcendence of God invites individuals to grapple with fundamental questions about the nature of divinity and its implications for human understanding and moral reflection. Through her eloquent expression, Astell contributes to the ongoing dialogue about the nature of God and His significance in the universe, leaving a lasting legacy in the realms of philosophy, theology, and feminist thought.