And out of good still to find means of evil.
Interpretation
This quote suggests that even in good actions, one may inadvertently uncover or create negative consequences.
John Milton's quote reflects the complex nature of morality, indicating that good intentions can sometimes lead to unintended evil outcomes. It serves as a reminder that actions, regardless of their original good intent, can have negative repercussions, highlighting the duality present in human choices and the inevitability of facing moral dilemmas.
In practice
This quote could be used in a discussion about the complexities of ethical decision-making.
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.
Childhood is measured out by sounds and smells and sights, before the dark hour of reason grows.
A kingdom man is a man who visibly demonstrates the comprehensive rule of God underneath the Lordship of Jesus Christ in every area of his life.
When you sit with a nice girl for two hours, it seems like two minutes; when you sit on a hot stove for two minutes, it seems like two hours. That's relativity.
With Usura With usura hath no man a house of good stone each block cut smooth and well fitting.
Not much music left inside us for life to dance to. Our youth has gone to the ends of the earth to die in the silence of the truth. And where, I ask you, can a man escape to, when he hasn't enough madness left inside him? The truth is an endless death agony. The truth is death. You have to choose: death or lies. I've never been able to kill myself.
My life's work has been to prompt others and be forgotten. Remember that night when Christian came to your balcony? That moment sums up my life. While I was below in the shadows, others climbed up to kiss the sweet rose.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.