Friday, March 14, 2025

fine words

One of my favorite examples of the error that can result from words being taken out of context is the following quote from John Milton: 

The mind is its own place, and in itself
Can make a Heav’n of Hell, a Hell of Heav’n.

It is a great quote and John Milton definitely wrote it. I've seen it used in books about psychology and inspirational posters and posts. I also think there is some truth to it. 

BUT......what is its context? It's from Milton's Paradise Lost. Which character speaks these words? Satan - the father of lies! So, did John Milton believe that these words were true? No. Not at all. 

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