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About this quote

What does it mean?
Milton says he knew himself to sing and create lofty poetry.
In plain terms
He recognized his own talent for singing and high poetry.
What can you take from it?
Confidence in one's artistic ability can inspire great work.

Where it applies

  • creative workshops
  • self‑reflection

Putting it to work

  • practice your craft
  • recognize your strengths

Questions to consider

  • How can you accurately gauge your talent?
  • What role does humility play?

Another view

Self‑assessment can be biased.

More from John Milton

  1. Yet once more, O ye laurels, and once more Ye myrtles brown, with ivy never sere, I come to pluck your berries harsh and crude, And with forced fingers rude Sh…

    Permalink to quote #98
  2. Without the meed of some melodious tear.

    Permalink to quote #100
  3. Till old experience do attain To something like prophetic strain.

    Permalink to quote #97

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