And oft, though wisdom wake, suspicion sleeps At wisdom's gate, and to simplicity Resigns her charge, while goodness thinks no ill Where no ill seems.
Interpretation
This quote reflects the idea that wisdom often yields to simplicity and goodness, leading to a state of trust and innocence.
John Milton highlights the interplay between wisdom and simplicity, suggesting that when wisdom is present, it often allows suspicion to rest. In times where goodness prevails, it engenders an atmosphere of trust and innocence, where people do not assume ill intentions when none are apparent. This quote invites reflection on the importance of having a trusting perspective in our interactions with others.
In practice
This quote can be included in a speech about the importance of trust in relationships.
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.
There is a great line of women stretching out behind you into the past, and you have to seek them out and find them in yourself and be conscious of them.
I'm going to have to be impressed and feel confident in the people I'm handing a book to - or I'm not going to do it. Once you hand it to them, you're out. You have no control over it.
It is not my prayer and humility that you cause things to go as you wish, but by acquiring a knowledge of natural laws.
This, I thought, is how great visionaries and poets see everything- as if for the first time. Each morning they see a new world before their eyes; they do not really see it, they create it.
There is moderation even in excess.
An expert is a man who has made all the mistakes which can be made, in a narrow field.
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