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I shall detain you no longer in the demonstration of what we should not do, but straight conduct ye to a hillside, where I will point ye out the right path of a virtuous and noble education; laborious indeed at the first ascent, but else so smooth, so green, so full of goodly prospect and melodious sounds on every side that the harp of Orpheus was not more charming.

John Milton#117

VirtueEducationGrowthLearning

About this quote

What does it mean?
Virtuous education is hard at first but becomes smooth and beautiful like a hillside path.
In plain terms
Learning right things is hard start but easy later.
What can you take from it?
Start difficult but good journeys with patience.

Where it applies

  • teaching
  • self-improvement

Putting it to work

  • pursue difficult studies

Questions to consider

  • Is your learning path worth the climb?

Another view

Not all difficult paths lead to smooth outcomes.

More from John Milton

  1. Litigious terms, fat contentions, and flowing fees.

    Permalink to quote #116
  2. Inflamed with the study of learning and the admiration of virtue; stirred up with high hopes of living to be brave men and worthy patriots, dear to God, and fa…

    Permalink to quote #118
  3. At last he rose, and twitched his mantle blue: Tomorrow to fresh woods and pastures new.

    Permalink to quote #115

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