Meaning: This quote is attributed to Mary Astell, an English writer, philosopher, and advocate for women's education and equal rights in the late 17th century. The quote is a reflection on the biblical story of Adam and Eve and challenges the traditional interpretation of Eve as the sole instigator of sin and disobedience in the Garden of Eden.

In the quote, Astell questions the commonly held belief that Eve alone was responsible for the original sin, as depicted in the Book of Genesis in the Bible. She argues that the Apostle (presumably referring to the apostle Paul, a significant figure in early Christianity) cannot mean that Eve was the sole sinner or the only one deceived. Astell suggests that if Adam willfully and knowingly sinned, he would have become the greater transgressor, thereby challenging the traditional narrative that places the blame solely on Eve.

Astell's quote reflects her feminist perspective and her critique of the prevailing patriarchal interpretations of religious texts. In her time, women were often marginalized and excluded from theological and philosophical discourse, and the biblical story of Adam and Eve was frequently used to justify the subordination of women. Astell's quote can be seen as a call for a reexamination of traditional religious interpretations and a demand for a more equitable and inclusive understanding of the roles and responsibilities of both Adam and Eve in the story of the Fall.

The quote also raises important theological and ethical questions about accountability, agency, and gender dynamics. By questioning the unequal attribution of blame to Eve and challenging the assumption of her inherent moral inferiority, Astell challenges the underlying power structures and assumptions about women's roles in society and religion.

Mary Astell's work as a writer and philosopher was groundbreaking in its advocacy for women's intellectual and educational rights. She wrote extensively on topics such as marriage, women's education, and religious philosophy, and her ideas were influential in the early feminist movement. Astell's critique of traditional interpretations of the Adam and Eve story aligns with her broader efforts to challenge the societal norms that restricted women's opportunities for learning and self-determination.

In conclusion, Mary Astell's quote reflects her critical engagement with traditional interpretations of the biblical story of Adam and Eve and her advocacy for a more equitable understanding of women's agency and accountability. Her words challenge the prevailing patriarchal narratives that have historically marginalized and subjugated women, and they invite a reevaluation of the roles and responsibilities of both Adam and Eve in the context of religious and moral discourse. Astell's quote continues to resonate as a powerful statement of feminist critique and a call for a more inclusive and just interpretation of religious texts and their implications for gender equality.