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.
Startling as the Gospel of Judas sounds, it amplifies hints we have long read in the Gospels of Mark and John that Jesus knew and even instigated the events of his passion, seeing them as part of a divine plan.
Every parting gives a foretaste of death, every reunion a hint of the resurrection.
He was constantly reminded of how startlingly different a place the world was when viewed from a point only three feet to the left.
Inhale, and God approaches you. Hold the inhalation, and God remains with you. Exhale, and you approach God. Hold the exhalation, and surrender to God.
Tis not what man Does which exalts him, but what man Would do!
We are not the sum of our weaknesses and failures, we are the sum of the Father's love for us and our real capacity to become the image of His Son Jesus.
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