But, alas! what poor Woman is ever taught that she should have a higher Design than to get her a Husband?

Mary Astell’s quote—“But, alas! what poor Woman is ever taught that she should have a higher Design than to get her a Husband?”—criticizes the limited expectations placed on women in her time, particularly in relation to their roles in society and marriage. Astell is lamenting the fact that women are often taught that their primary goal in life is to secure a husband, rather than being encouraged to pursue their own ambitions or intellectual and personal growth. The use of the word Design refers to the idea of a higher purpose or goal in life, and Astell is questioning why women are not guided toward more fulfilling or empowering aspirations.

The origin of this quote comes from Astell’s writings, particularly her work "A Serious Proposal to the Ladies" (1694), which argued for the education and intellectual empowerment of women. Astell, an early feminist philosopher, believed that women should not be confined to roles that merely prepare them for marriage but should be given the opportunity to develop their minds and pursue meaningful contributions to society. In her time, women were often limited to domestic roles and marriage as their sole purpose, and Astell sought to challenge these norms.

By highlighting the higher Design of a woman’s life, Astell is calling for a shift in societal expectations. She argues that women should be encouraged to pursue their own goals, whether in education, career, or intellectual pursuits, rather than seeing marriage as the only path to fulfillment. The quote is a critique of the limited scope of women’s roles in the 17th century, pushing for a broader and more empowering understanding of what women can achieve.

Ultimately, Astell’s quote reflects her advocacy for women’s rights and her desire to break the traditional boundaries that confined women to domesticity. She believed that a higher Design for women should include opportunities for personal development and societal participation, challenging the notion that a husband should be their ultimate goal. Her work laid the foundation for later feminist thought and continues to inspire discussions about gender roles and women’s autonomy.