The childhood shows the man, as morning shows the day.
Interpretation
Childhood experiences shape a person's character and future behaviors.
This quote by John Milton suggests that the traits and inclinations developed during childhood reveal the essence of a person's character in adulthood, much like the early light of dawn indicates the nature of the day to come. It emphasizes the significant impact that formative years have on an individual's life journey and moral development.
In practice
In a speech about the importance of early education, you might say, 'As John Milton stated, The childhood shows the man, as morning shows the day.'
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.
Man's existence precedes his essence
To see the dull indifference, the negligent and thoughtless air that sits upon the faces of a whole assembly, while the psalm is upon their lips, might even tempt a charitable observer to suspect the fervency of their inward religion.
Someday you will die, and until you know that, you're useless to me.
Addiction has the capacity to disconnect the human will and nullify moral agency. It can rob one of the power to decide.
Which is better -- to be a pack of painted Indians like you are, or to be sensible like Ralph is? Which is better -- to have rules and agree, or to hunt and kill? Which is better, law and rescue, or hunting and breaking things up?
Probable impossibilities are to be preferred to improbable possibilities.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.