Truth never comes into the world but like a bastard, to the ignominy of him that brought her birth.
Meaning of the quote
The quote suggests that the truth is often treated with disrespect and shame when it is first discovered or revealed. Just like a child born outside of marriage, the truth can face criticism and rejection when it is initially presented. The person who uncovers the truth may also be looked down upon, even though the truth itself is important and valuable.
About John Milton
John Milton was an acclaimed English poet, polemicist, and civil servant. He is best known for his epic poem ‘Paradise Lost,’ which explored the fall of man and Adam and Eve’s expulsion from the Garden of Eden. Milton was also a staunch defender of free speech and freedom of the press, as seen in his influential work ‘Areopagitica.’
More quotes from John Milton
The mind is its own place and in itself, can make a Heaven of Hell, a Hell of Heaven.
English poet and civil servant (1608-1674)
Let not England forget her precedence of teaching nations how to live.
English poet and civil servant (1608-1674)
He that has light within his own clear breast May sit in the centre, and enjoy bright day: But he that hides a dark soul and foul thoughts Benighted walks under the mid-day sun; Himself his own dungeon.
English poet and civil servant (1608-1674)
Gratitude bestows reverence, allowing us to encounter everyday epiphanies, those transcendent moments of awe that change forever how we experience life and the world.
English poet and civil servant (1608-1674)
Nothing profits more than self-esteem, grounded on what is just and right.
English poet and civil servant (1608-1674)
He that studieth revenge keepeth his own wounds green, which otherwise would heal and do well.
English poet and civil servant (1608-1674)
Beauty is nature’s brag, and must be shown in courts, at feasts, and high solemnities, where most may wonder at the workmanship.
English poet and civil servant (1608-1674)
Better to reign in hell than serve in heaven.
English poet and civil servant (1608-1674)
Who kills a man kills a reasonable creature, God’s image, but thee who destroys a good book, kills reason its self.
English poet and civil servant (1608-1674)
The stars, that nature hung in heaven, and filled their lamps with everlasting oil, give due light to the misled and lonely traveller.
English poet and civil servant (1608-1674)
Virtue could see to do what Virtue would by her own radiant light, though sun and moon where in the flat sea sunk.
English poet and civil servant (1608-1674)
When complaints are freely heard, deeply considered and speedily reformed, then is the utmost bound of civil liberty attained that wise men look for.
English poet and civil servant (1608-1674)
To be blind is not miserable; not to be able to bear blindness, that is miserable.
English poet and civil servant (1608-1674)
Though we take from a covetous man all his treasure, he has yet one jewel left; you cannot bereave him of his covetousness.
English poet and civil servant (1608-1674)
Death is the golden key that opens the palace of eternity.
English poet and civil servant (1608-1674)
Give me the liberty to know, to utter, and to argue freely according to conscience, above all liberties.
English poet and civil servant (1608-1674)
Confusion heard his voice, and wild uproar Stood ruled, stood vast infinitude confined; Till at his second bidding darkness fled, Light shone, and order from disorder sprung.
English poet and civil servant (1608-1674)
A good book is the precious lifeblood of a master spirit.
English poet and civil servant (1608-1674)
Deep-versed in books and shallow in himself.
English poet and civil servant (1608-1674)
The superior man acquaints himself with many sayings of antiquity and many deeds of the past, in order to strengthen his character thereby.
English poet and civil servant (1608-1674)
No man who knows aught, can be so stupid to deny that all men naturally were born free.
English poet and civil servant (1608-1674)
For what can war, but endless war, still breed?
English poet and civil servant (1608-1674)
Who overcomes by force, hath overcome but half his foe.
English poet and civil servant (1608-1674)
Love-quarrels oft in pleasing concord end.
English poet and civil servant (1608-1674)
They also serve who only stand and wait.
English poet and civil servant (1608-1674)
None can love freedom heartily, but good men; the rest love not freedom, but licence.
English poet and civil servant (1608-1674)
He who reigns within himself and rules passions, desires, and fears is more than a king.
English poet and civil servant (1608-1674)
Truth never comes into the world but like a bastard, to the ignominy of him that brought her birth.
English poet and civil servant (1608-1674)
True it is that covetousness is rich, modesty starves.
English poet and civil servant (1608-1674)