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About this quote

What does it mean?
Milton questions the value of petty arguments among writers, comparing them to trivial fights of birds.
In plain terms
Minor literary disputes are as pointless as birds fighting in the sky.
What can you take from it?
Focus on substantive work instead of petty quarrels.

Where it applies

  • writing groups
  • editorial meetings

Putting it to work

  • stay on topic
  • avoid gossip

Questions to consider

  • When is disagreement useful?
  • How can writers keep discussions constructive?

Another view

Some debates can be productive if they address core issues.

More from John Milton

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  3. But oh! as to embrace me she inclined, I waked, she fled, and day brought back my night.

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