That space the Evil One abstracted stood From his own evil, and for the time remained Stupidly good, of enmity disarmed, Of guile, of hate, of envy, of revenge .
Interpretation
The quote explores the duality of good and evil, suggesting that even evil can temporarily set aside its malicious nature.
In this quote by John Milton, the speaker reflects on a moment where evil refrains from its wickedness and exists in a state of 'stupidly good.' This portrays the complex interplay between good and evil, highlighting how enmity, guile, hate, and revenge can be momentarily silenced. Milton suggests that there can be moments of peace or goodness even amidst the presence of evil, prompting deeper consideration of moral duality and the nature of humanity.
In practice
In a discussion about morality during a philosophy class.
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.
Sacred Activism is the fusion of the mystic's passion for God with the activist's passion for justice, creating a third fire, which is the burning sacred heart that longs to help, preserve, and nurture every living thing.
In my nostrils still lives the breath of flowers that perished twenty years ago.
Allah knows exactly what to give you to help you return to Him. The events in your life are purposeful, appropriate & non-random.
World events are the work of individuals whose motives are often frivolous, even casual.
I draw from the Absurd three consequences: my revolt, my liberty, my passion.
Even through you and I are in different boats, you in your boat and we our canoe, we share the same river of life. What befalls me befalls you. And downstream, downstream in this river of life, our children will pay for our selfishness, for our greed, and for our lack of vision.
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