No man who knows aught, can be so stupid to deny that all men naturally were born free.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the inherent freedom of all humans at birth, suggesting that ignorance is an obstacle to recognizing this truth.
John Milton's quote asserts that it is foolish for any knowledgeable person to deny the fundamental principle that all individuals are born with innate freedom. This idea aligns with broader philosophical discussions about human rights and liberty, suggesting that recognizing our natural freedom is a prerequisite for any civilized society. Ignorance or denial of this truth weakens the moral fabric of society, as it leads to injustice and oppression.
In practice
This quote can be used as a powerful statement in a speech about human rights.
They, looking back, all the eastern side beheld Of Paradise, so late their happy seat, Waved over by that flaming brand, the gate With dreadful faces thronged and fiery arms: Some natural tears they dropped, but wiped them soon; The world was all before them, where to choose Their place of rest, and Providence their guide; They, hand in hand, with wandering steps and slow, Through Eden took their solitary way.
The stars, that nature hung in heaven, and filled their lamps with everlasting oil, give due light to the misled and lonely traveller.
Ev'n them who kept thy truth so pure of old, When all our fathers worshipp'd stocks and stones.
Abashed the devil stood and felt how awful goodness is and saw Virtue in her shape how lovely: and pined his loss
The end of all learning is to know God, and out of that knowledge to love and imitate Him.
Apt words have power to suage the tumors of a troubled mind.
The capitalist class rules but does not govern: it contents itself with ruling the government.
We live by Admiration, Hope, and Love;_x000D_ _x000D_ And, even as these are well and wisely fixed,_x000D_ _x000D_ In dignity of being we ascend.
Hath not a Jew eyes? Hath not a Jew hands, organs, dimensions, senses, affections, passions? ...If you poison us, do we not die? And if you wrong us, shall we not revenge? If we are like you in the rest, we will resemble you in that. If a Jew wrong a Christian, what is his humility? Revenge. If a Christian wrong a Jew, what should his sufferance be by Christian example?
This country, with its institutions, belongs to the people who inhabit it. Whenever they shall grow weary of the existing government, they can exercise their constitutional right of amending it, or exercise their revolutionary right to overthrow it.
If slavery, limited as it yet is, now threatens to subvert the Constitution, how can we as wise and prudent statesmen, enlarge its boundaries and increase its influence, and thus increase already impending dangers?
Finally, the intercom crackles and Hatmitch's acerbic laugh fills the studio. He contains himself just long enough to say, 'And that, my friends, is how a revolution dies.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.