For what can war, but endless war, still breed?
Interpretation
The quote reflects on the destructive nature of war and its perpetuation.
John Milton's quote questions the purpose of war, suggesting that it leads only to more conflict and suffering without any resolution. It invites contemplation on the cyclical violence that war engenders and challenges the idea that war can yield any positive outcomes, ultimately highlighting the futility of such actions.
In practice
During a peace rally, to emphasize the need for resolution over conflict.
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.
Let every man of whatsoever craft or occupation he be of... serve his brethren.
They say that a kingdom is like a pyramid: the king on top and the people below. But in this country, it's upside down.
Human life without death would be something other than human; consciousness of mortality gives rise to out deepest longings and greatest accomplishments.
A man is sorry to be honest for nothing.
If we compare a severely defective human infant with a nonhuman animal, a dog or a pig, for example, we will often find the nonhuman to have superior capacities, both actual and potential, for rationality, self-consciousness, communication and anything else that can plausibly be considered morally significant.
Prayer is like lying awake at night, afraid, with your head under the cover, hearing only the beating of your own heart. It is like a bird that has blundered down the flue and is caught indoors and flutters at the windowpanes. It is like standing a long time on a cold day, knocking at a shut door.
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