The end of all learning is to know God, and out of that knowledge to love and imitate Him.
Interpretation
The ultimate purpose of learning is to understand and emulate a divine being.
This quote by John Milton suggests that the highest goal of education and learning is not just the acquisition of knowledge but rather the deep understanding of God's nature. From this understanding stems the desire to love and imitate God, emphasizing that true knowledge leads to moral and spiritual growth.
In practice
This quote can be used in a religious education class to inspire students about the purpose of their studies.
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
Apt words have power to suage the tumors of a troubled mind.
Bacchus, that first from out the purple grape_x000D_ _x000D_ Crush'd the sweet poison of misused wine.
Too often, parents whose children express an interest in farming squelch it because they envision dirt, dust, poverty, and hermit living. But great stories come out of great farming.
A book is a heart that only beats in the chest of another.
We do not wish to abolish teaching and to make every man his own master, but if the curates will not teach the gospel, the layman must have the Scripture, and read it for himself, taking God for his teacher.
If you have children, you cannot feed them forever with flags for breakfast and cartridges for lunch. You need something more substantial. Unless you educate your children and spend less money on conflicts, unless you develop your science, technology and industry, you don't have a future.
Write a lot and hit the streets. A writer who doesn't keep up with what's out there ain't gonna be out there.
Reading furnishes the mind only with materials of knowledge; it is thinking that makes what we read ours.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.