Speech of Mr John Milton For The Liberty Of Unlicenc Printing To The Parlament

John Milton (1608-1674) was an English poet, polemicist, and civil servant for the Commonwealth of England under its Council of State and later under its Protectorate. He wrote at a time of great political and religious upheaval, and his writings reflect his deep commitment to individual liberty and freedom of thought.

Areopagitica: A Speech of Mr. John Milton for the Liberty of Unlicenc'd Printing, To the Parlament of England

by Carlos Alberto Torres

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	312 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	55 pages
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

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In 1644, Parliament passed an ordinance requiring that all books be licensed by the government before they could be printed. Milton was deeply opposed to this ordinance, and he wrote a passionate speech against it, which he delivered to Parliament on November 15, 1644.

Milton's speech, known as "Areopagitica," is a powerful defense of freedom of speech and press. In it, Milton argues that the free exchange of ideas is essential for a healthy society and that the government has no right to suppress dissenting opinions.

Milton's speech was ultimately unsuccessful in persuading Parliament to repeal the licensing ordinance. However, it has remained an important work in the history of free speech and press, and it continues to be studied and debated today.

The Text of Milton's Speech

My Lords and Commons,

I come before you today to speak against the ordinance that you have passed requiring that all books be licensed by the government before they can be printed.

I believe that this ordinance is a grave threat to freedom of speech and press. The free exchange of ideas is essential for a healthy society. It is through the free exchange of ideas that we learn and grow. It is through the free exchange of ideas that we discover new truths.

The government has no right to suppress dissenting opinions. The government's job is to protect the rights of its citizens, not to control their thoughts.

I urge you to repeal this ordinance and to allow the people of England the freedom to speak and write their minds freely.

I have spoken.

Milton's Arguments for Freedom of Speech

Milton's speech is a powerful defense of freedom of speech and press. He argues that the free exchange of ideas is essential for a healthy society.

Milton begins his speech by arguing that the free exchange of ideas is necessary for the discovery of truth. He says that "truth is daughter of time," and that it can only be found through the free and open exchange of ideas.

Milton also argues that the free exchange of ideas is necessary for the protection of liberty. He says that "liberty is the nurse of all great wits," and that it can only flourish in a society where people are free to speak their minds.

Finally, Milton argues that the free exchange of ideas is necessary for the progress of society. He says that "the liberty of free speech is the only means whereby human life can be advanced to that perfection which can make it a thing worth living."

The Legacy of Milton's Speech

Milton's speech was ultimately unsuccessful in persuading Parliament to repeal the licensing ordinance. However, it has remained an important work in the history of free speech and press, and it continues to be studied and debated today.

Milton's speech has been cited by many later defenders of freedom of speech, including Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and John Stuart Mill. It has also been used as a precedent in court cases defending freedom of speech.

Milton's speech is a powerful reminder of the importance of freedom of speech and press. It is a speech that deserves to be read and reread by all who value the freedom to think and speak their minds.

John Milton's "Areopagitica" is a powerful defense of freedom of speech and press. It is a speech that deserves to be read and reread by all who value the freedom to think and speak their minds.

Areopagitica: A Speech of Mr. John Milton for the Liberty of Unlicenc'd Printing, To the Parlament of England

by Carlos Alberto Torres

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	312 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	55 pages
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

FREE