Crow Quote by John Milton
“Promiscuous reading is necessary to the constituting of human nature. The attempt to keep out evil doctrine by licensing is like the exploit of that gallant man who thought to keep out the crows by shutting the park gate.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Areopagitica by John Milton, 1644
Reading broadly shapes humanity; restricting ideas is as futile as blocking birds with a gate.
In simple terms: Broad reading forms us; censorship fails.
Key Takeaway
Embrace diverse ideas.
Themes
education
freedom
human nature
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- school curricula
- personal development
- policy debates
- media consumption
Key Concepts
censorship
intellectual growth
Questions to Reflect On
- What ideas have you avoided?
- How does exposure to varied views strengthen character?
A Different Perspective
Censorship may protect against harmful ideas but also stifles growth.
![“Licensing is how indie rock people make a living these days, so whatever about that. But I want good films and good placement for the songs because I want to be exclusive. I don't want to just sign it away because I don't want songs to lose meaning, but I'm also...I don't care [that] Wilco sold…” quote by Justin Vernon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/745/justin-vernon-4380_care_licensing-is-how-indie-rock-people-make_317128.jpg)
![“You cannot be responsible for Jim Crow. You can not be responsible for racism. This is much more a problem for the person exercising racism.You are confronted with the reality of racism when you go in the streets, when the eyes of others come upon you. [James] Baldwin goes back with you to all the…” quote by Raoul Peck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d5f/raoul-peck-8162_being-responsible_you-cannot-be-responsible-for-jim-crow-y_75051.jpg)
