John Milton's 1644 treatise argues passionately against English Parliament's licensing requirements for published works, making a foundational case for freedom of speech and press. This influential work of political philosophy contends that the free exchange of ideas, even controversial ones, strengthens rather than threatens a healthy society.
They, who to states and governors of the Commonwealth direct their speech, High Court of Parliament, or, wanting such access in a private condition, write that which they foresee may advance the public good; I suppose them, as at the beginning of no mean endeavour, not a little altered and moved inwardly in their minds: some with doubt of what will be the success, others with fear of what will be the censure; some with hope, others with confidence of what they have to speak. And me perhaps each of these dispositions, as the subject was whereon I entered, may have at other times variously affected; and likely might in these foremost expressions now also disclose which of them swayed most, but that the very attempt of this address thus made, and the thought of whom it hath recourse to, hath got the power within me to a passion, far more welcome than incidental to a preface. Which though I …Continue reading →
A 17th-century English poet who went blind yet created some of literature's most vivid imagery, this Puritan revolutionary penned the epic "Paradise Lost" while navigating political upheaval and personal tragedy. His masterwork reimagined the biblical fall of humanity with psychological depth that influenced centuries of writers and established him as England's greatest epic poet. All works by John Milton →
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