And may at last my weary age Find out the peaceful hermitage, The hairy gown and mossy cell, Where I may sit and rightly spell Of every star that heaven doth shew, And every herb that sips the dew, Till old experience to attain To something like prophetic strain.
Interpretation
This quote reflects a desire for inner peace and wisdom gained through experience over time.
In this passage, John Milton expresses a longing for a tranquil and secluded place where he can reflect on the knowledge and insights gained throughout his life. The imagery of a 'peaceful hermitage' and the ability to contemplate the stars and nature symbolizes the pursuit of deeper understanding and wisdom that comes with age and experience. It illustrates the journey toward enlightenment, suggesting that true wisdom is achieved through contemplation and connection with the natural world.
In practice
This quote can inspire a group of students during graduation speeches, emphasizing the importance of experience and wisdom moving forward.
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.
It is the unknown that excites the ardor of scholars, who, in the known alone, would shrivel up with boredom.
Every man I meet is in some way my superior...
We are ever free if we would only believe it, only have faith enough. You are the soul, free and eternal, ever free, ever blessed. Have faith enough and you will be free in a minute.
I believe you are your work. Don't trade the stuff of your life, time, for nothing more than dollars. That's a rotten bargain.
How much good inside a day? Depends how good you live 'em.
However,' said Dumbledore, speaking very slowly and clearly so that none of them could miss a word, 'you will find that I will only truly have left this school when none here are loyal to me. You will also find that help will be given at Hogwarts to those who ask for it.
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