This quote from Thomas Hardy probes deeply into the complex notions of strength and responsibility, especially regarding women and their empowerment. It examines not only the possession of strength but how it is wielded or discarded. The notion that a strong woman who 'recklessly throws away her strength' can be considered worse than a weak woman who never had strength to begin with introduces a moral dimension to strength—it suggests that strength comes with responsibility. Strength is not just a state of being but a resource that requires careful stewardship.

The irony lies in the way strength is valued. While society often praises a weak woman for overcoming her perceived limitations, a strong woman is expected to maintain her power wisely and purposefully. Recklessness implies a waste, a loss of potential that could have contributed positively to her life and those around her. This casts strength not simply as a personal trait but as a communal asset, where squandering it can have broader consequences. It also subtly reflects on gender expectations: strength in women might be seen as unusual or exceptional, therefore when discarded, it is more disappointing than the absence of strength, which might be accepted as normal.

In a broader sense, this quote encourages introspection on how we value our abilities and the potential consequences of neglecting them. It calls into question the balance between vulnerability and strength, and how resilience is not just about the capacity to endure but also about conscious, deliberate choices in preserving and using one’s strength effectively. Ultimately, it is a poignant reflection on self-awareness, discipline, and the social responsibilities entwined with individual power.