Truth...never comes into the world but like a bastard, to the ignominy of him that brought her forth.
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
Putting it to work
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
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 Truth is as impossible to be soiled by any outward touch as the sunbeam.
Permalink to quote #23 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
Related quotes
I know that's a secret, for it's whispered every where.
William CongreveWilliam Congreve quote #18 There are no secrets better kept than the secrets everybody guesses.
George Bernard ShawGeorge Bernard Shaw quote #39 That's what the problem is with the Internet, this great escape that we have, everything automatically becomes fact!
Jared LetoJared Leto quote #45