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Is this the region, this the soil, the clime, Said then…

“Is this the region, this the soil, the clime, Said then the lost Archangel, this the seat That we must change for heav'n, this mournful gloom For that celestial light? Be it so since he Who now is sovereign can dispose and bid What shall be right. Farthest from him is best Whom reason hath equaled…” quote by Milton
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““Is this the region, this the soil, the clime, Said then the lost Archangel, this the seat That we must change for heav'n, this mournful gloom For that celestial light? Be it so since he Who now is sovereign can dispose and bid What shall be right. Farthest from him is best Whom reason hath equaled force hath made supreme Above his equals. Farewell happy fields Where joy forever dwells. Hail horrors Hail Infernal world, and thou profoundest hell Receive thy new possessor, one who brings A mind not to be changed by place or time The mind is its own place and in itself Can make a heav'n of hell, a hell of heav'n. What matter where if I be still the same And what I should be--All but less than he Whom thunder hath made greater. Here at least We shall be free. Th' Almighty hath not built Here for his envy will not drive us hence. Here we may reign supreme, and in my choice To reign is worth ambition, though in hell. Better to reign in hell than serve in Heav'n. But wherefore let we then our faithful friends, Th'associates and co-partners of our loss Lie thus astonished on th' oblivious pool. And call them not to share with us their part In this unhappy mansion? Or, once more, With rallying arms, to try what may be yet Regained in heav'n or what more lost in hell!””

Milton

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The speaker argues that ruling in hell is preferable to serving in heaven, emphasizing personal freedom and agency over divine hierarchy.

In simple terms: Better to reign in hell than serve in heaven.

Key Takeaway

Choose autonomy over subservience.

Themes

freedom power rebellion philosophy existence

Mood

defiant introspective dramatic

Type

philosophical literary

When to use this quote

  • personal crisis
  • career change
  • relationship breakup
  • creative projects

Key Concepts

agency self-determination theodicy

Questions to Reflect On

  • Do you value freedom over comfort?
  • What are the costs of choosing power?
A Different Perspective

The view glorifies suffering and may ignore the value of cooperation and compassion.

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