They also serve who only stand and wait.
Meaning of the quote
The quote means that even people who are not actively doing something can still be helpful. Sometimes, the best way to serve others is to be patient and ready to help when needed, rather than always rushing to do something.
More quotes from John Milton
The mind is its own place and in itself, can make a Heaven of Hell, a Hell of Heaven.
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Let not England forget her precedence of teaching nations how to live.
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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.
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Beauty is nature’s brag, and must be shown in courts, at feasts, and high solemnities, where most may wonder at the workmanship.
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Better to reign in hell than serve in heaven.
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Who kills a man kills a reasonable creature, God’s image, but thee who destroys a good book, kills reason its self.
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When complaints are freely heard, deeply considered and speedily reformed, then is the utmost bound of civil liberty attained that wise men look for.
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Though we take from a covetous man all his treasure, he has yet one jewel left; you cannot bereave him of his covetousness.
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Give me the liberty to know, to utter, and to argue freely according to conscience, above all liberties.
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A good book is the precious lifeblood of a master spirit.
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Deep-versed in books and shallow in himself.
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The superior man acquaints himself with many sayings of antiquity and many deeds of the past, in order to strengthen his character thereby.
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No man who knows aught, can be so stupid to deny that all men naturally were born free.
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Who overcomes by force, hath overcome but half his foe.
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Love-quarrels oft in pleasing concord end.
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They also serve who only stand and wait.
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He who reigns within himself and rules passions, desires, and fears is more than a king.
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True it is that covetousness is rich, modesty starves.
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