Meaning: Mary Astell was an influential English writer, philosopher, and advocate for women's education and empowerment during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Astell's quote, "If a Woman can neither Love nor Honour, she does ill in promising to Obey," reflects her belief in the importance of women's agency and autonomy within the context of marriage and relationships. This quote is taken from her work "Reflections upon Marriage," which was published in 1700 as part of her broader efforts to challenge the prevailing societal norms and expectations placed upon women of her time.

In the quote, Astell critiques the traditional marriage vows that required a woman to promise obedience to her husband. She argues that if a woman is unable to love or honor her husband, then it is morally wrong for her to promise obedience. Astell's assertion here is significant as it challenges the notion that women should unquestioningly submit to male authority within the institution of marriage. Instead, she advocates for the idea that women should have the freedom to choose their partners based on mutual love and respect, rather than being forced into subservience.

Astell's writings were groundbreaking in their advocacy for women's rights and autonomy. She was a vocal critic of the prevailing social and legal inequalities faced by women during her time, particularly within the institution of marriage. Astell argued that women should have the same access to education and intellectual development as men, and she promoted the idea that women should have the right to make their own choices in matters of love, marriage, and personal agency.

In "Reflections upon Marriage," Astell goes on to discuss the unequal power dynamics within traditional marriage, criticizing the lack of legal protections for women and the societal expectations that often forced them into unequal and oppressive relationships. She advocated for the idea that marriage should be based on mutual respect, love, and partnership, rather than hierarchical structures of power and dominance.

Astell's quote continues to resonate in contemporary discussions about gender equality and women's rights. It highlights the enduring relevance of her ideas and the ongoing struggle for women to have agency and autonomy within their relationships and societal roles. The quote challenges the notion that women should be expected to obey without question, and instead asserts the importance of love and honor as foundational principles within the context of marriage.

Overall, Mary Astell's quote, "If a Woman can neither Love nor Honour, she does ill in promising to Obey," encapsulates her broader philosophy of advocating for women's agency, autonomy, and equality within the institution of marriage. It reflects her commitment to challenging traditional gender roles and promoting the idea that women should have the freedom to choose their own paths based on love, honor, and mutual respect. Astell's legacy as a pioneering feminist thinker continues to inspire and inform contemporary discussions about women's rights and gender equality.