Our torments also may in length of time Become our Elements.
Interpretation
Our struggles can transform us over time into something greater.
This quote suggests that the pain and difficulties we endure might eventually shape our character and essence. Over time, the challenges we face may not only change us but also become an integral part of who we are, influencing our thoughts, actions, and perspectives in profound ways.
In practice
In a motivational speech about resilience, one could say, 'As John Milton wisely noted, 'Our torments also may in length of time become our elements.'
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 best measure of a man's honesty isn't his income tax return. It's the zero adjust on his bathroom scale.
If freedom makes social progress possible, so social progress strengthens and enlarges freedom. The two are inseparable partners in the great adventure of humanity.
Until a few months ago we had a code of honor, and even the worst ruffians behaved with decency. You could leave your gold in a tent with no guard and no one would touch it, but now all that has changed. The law of the jungle rules, the only ideology is greed. Don't let yourself be parted from your weapons, and always travel in pairs or groups, because this is a land of thieves.
The whole religious complexion of the modern world is due to the absence from Jerusalem of a lunatic asylum.
We must reserve a back shop all our own entirely free, in which to establish our real liberty and our principal retreat and solitude.
In violence there is often the quality of yearning - the yearning for completion. For closure. For that which is absent and would if present bring to fulfillment. For the body without which the wing is a useless frozen ornament. ("A Short Guide To The City")
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