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.
Who kills a man kills a reasonable creature, God's image, but thee who destroys a good book, kills reason its self.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the value of literature and knowledge, suggesting that destroying a good book is akin to killing reason itself.
John Milton's quote articulates the deep connection between humanity, reason, and literature. While taking a life is a grave act against a rational being created in God's image, the act of destroying a good book is viewed as an even greater crime because it obliterates the repository of human thought and reason. Books serve as vessels of wisdom, culture, and understanding; thus, to destroy them is to attack the very essence of human rationality and enlightenment.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
During a lecture on the importance of literature, this quote can be used to highlight why books are essential to society.
More from John Milton
All quotes βThe 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.
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