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About this quote

What does it mean?
Truth enters the world in a shameful way like an illegitimate child.
In plain terms
Truth arrives awkwardly and is treated poorly by those who bring it out.
What can you take from it?
Truth is often revealed in difficult or shameful circumstances.

Where it applies

  • whistleblowing
  • confession
  • social discovery

Putting it to work

  • defending difficult truths
  • critiquing social norms
  • explaining truth seeking

Questions to consider

  • Why is truth often unpopular?
  • How do societies treat uncomfortable facts?

Another view

The metaphor may discourage openness by associating truth with shame.

More from John Milton

  1. So little care they of beasts to make them men, that by their sorcerous doctrine of formalities, they take the way to transform them out of Christian men into …

    Permalink to quote #21
  2. Truth is as impossible to be soiled by any outward touch as the sunbeam.

    Permalink to quote #23
  3. I will not deny but that the best apology against false accusers is silence and sufferance, and honest deeds set against dishonest words.

    Permalink to quote #20

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