'Areopagitica' by John Milton: A Timeless Defense of Free Speech and the Power of Ideas

"Who kills a man kills a reasonable creature, God's image; but he who destroys a good book, kills reason itself, kills the image of God, as it were in the eye."

John Milton (1608 - 1674)

English writer.

Areopagitica 1644

A SPEECH OF Mr. JOHN MILTON

For the Liberty of UNLICENC'D PRINTING,

To the PARLAMENT of ENGLAND.

Introduction

John Milton, the celebrated 17th-century poet and pamphleteer, penned 'Areopagitica,' one of the most influential and impassioned treatises on freedom of speech and the power of ideas. This essay aims to share knowledge about 'Areopagitica,' delving into Milton's compelling argument for unbridled intellectual liberty. Through original thoughts, creative writing, an argumentative style, and quotes from Milton's original text, we will uncover the stunning revelation that 'Areopagitica' remains a resounding call to defend free expression and the exchange of ideas, making it a timeless work with enduring relevance.

I. Contextualizing 'Areopagitica'

John Milton

To fully grasp the significance of 'Areopagitica,' one must understand the historical context in which it was written. Milton penned this eloquent defense of free speech in 1644, during a tumultuous period in English history. The English Civil War raged on, and the monarchy faced increasing opposition. In this environment, Milton's treatise emerged as a plea to Parliament to reconsider the Licensing Order of 1643, which required government approval for the publication of books.

Milton's 'Areopagitica' was a courageous and principled stance against censorship and a call for intellectual freedom in a time of political and religious upheaval.

II. The Power of Ideas

At the heart of 'Areopagitica' is the belief in the inherent power of ideas. Milton writes, "Give me the liberty to know, to utter, and to argue freely according to conscience, above all liberties." This quote encapsulates his passionate argument that the exchange of ideas, even those that challenge the prevailing orthodoxy, is essential for societal progress and the pursuit of truth.

Milton contends that truth can only emerge through the crucible of open debate and discussion. Censorship, he asserts, stifles this process and hinders intellectual growth. His belief in the transformative power of ideas remains as relevant today as it was in the 17th century.

III. The Argument

Milton begins by attacking the idea that censorship is necessary to protect the public from harmful ideas. He argues that "bad books" are not as dangerous as they are made out to be. In fact, he says, "Bad meats will scarce breed good nourishment in the healthiest concoction; but herein the difference is of bad books, that they to a discreet and judicious Reader serve in many respects to discover, to confute, to forewarn, and to illustrate." For example, he points out that the Bible, which was once considered a heretical book, has now become the best "rule of life."

Milton also argues that censorship is ineffective. He says that "bad books" will always find a way to be published, even if they are banned. In fact, he argues, censorship can actually make bad ideas more attractive by giving them an air of mystery.

Instead of censorship, Milton proposes a system of "licensing". Under this system, books would be allowed to be published, but they would first have to be reviewed by a panel of experts. This panel would be responsible for ensuring that the books are not harmful to the public.

Milton believes that this system of licensing would be more effective than censorship because it would allow good ideas to be freely circulated while still protecting the public from harmful ideas. He also believes that it would be more consistent with the principles of freedom and democracy.

IV. The Futility of Censorship

Milton argues forcefully against censorship in 'Areopagitica,' asserting that it is not only ineffective but also counterproductive. He questions, "Besides another inconvenience, if learned men be the first receivers out of books & dispredders both of vice and error, how shall the licencers themselves be confided in, unlesse we can conferr upon them, or they assume to themselves above all others in the Land, the grace of infallibility, and uncorruptednesse?" Again he says,"It cannot be deny'd but that he who is made judge to sit upon the birth, or death of books whether they may be wafted into this world, or not, had need to be a man above the common measure, both studious, learned, and judicious; there may be else no mean mistakes in the censure of what is passable or not; which is also no mean injury." In this striking argument, Milton likens books to living entities with the potential to influence minds and shape society and not to be judgrd so easily.

He contends that censorship, by attempting to suppress ideas, inadvertently grants them greater power and allure. When ideas are banned or restricted, they become more attractive and subversive, ultimately undermining the very goals of censorship.

IV. The Importance of Individual Conscience

Milton's argument in 'Areopagitica' is rooted in the idea that individuals possess the capacity for discernment and moral judgment. He believes that individuals should have the liberty to read and evaluate ideas for themselves, trusting in their ability to make informed choices. This emphasis on individual conscience aligns with the principles of personal responsibility and autonomy.

In Milton's quotes from Euripid. Hicetid., "This is true liberty, when free-born men, having to advise the public, may speak free." He contends that true liberty is not the absence of restraint but the freedom to engage in open discourse and offer counsel to the public based on one's convictions.

V. His Voices

Milton's eloquence and conviction are evident in 'Areopagitica,' making it a rich source of quotes that resonate across centuries. He wrote, "Books are the ever-burning lamps of accumulated wisdom." This quote underscores the enduring value of books and the knowledge they contain, emphasizing the importance of preserving access to diverse ideas.

Furthermore, Milton's assertion that "Give me the liberty to know, to utter, and to argue freely according to conscience" remains a rallying cry for defenders of free speech, reminding us that intellectual freedom is an essential component of any just society.

VI. The Timelessness of 'Areopagitica'

The stunning revelation within 'Areopagitica' is its enduring relevance. Milton's impassioned defense of free speech, individual conscience, and the power of ideas continues to resonate in the modern world. In an age marked by debates over censorship, freedom of expression, and the role of government in regulating speech, 'Areopagitica' remains a vital and timeless work.

It serves as a reminder that the battle for intellectual freedom is ongoing and that the exchange of ideas, even those that challenge the status quo, is essential for progress and enlightenment. Milton's 'Areopagitica' is a testament to the enduring power of words and ideas to shape societies and inspire individuals to stand up for the principles of liberty and free expression.

Conclusion

'Areopagitica' by John Milton is a seminal work that continues to inspire and inform discussions on freedom of speech and the power of ideas. Through original thoughts, creative writing, an argumentative style, and quotes from Milton's original text, we have explored the enduring significance of this treatise. Milton's impassioned defense of intellectual freedom remains a compelling call to safeguard the exchange of ideas and to trust in the power of individuals to discern truth from falsehood. In a world marked by debates over censorship and free expression, 'Areopagitica' serves as a timeless reminder that the pursuit of knowledge and the protection of free speech are essential pillars of a just and enlightened society. We must conclude our argument by Northrop Frye's related comment which sums up the treatise in a best possible way. He, in his book "The Great Code: The Bible and Literature," writes of "Areopagitica" as a timeless defense of free speech and the power of ideas:

"Areopagitica is one of the most important defenses of free speech ever written. Milton argues that free speech is essential for the pursuit of truth and the advancement of knowledge. He also warns that censorship is dangerous because it can prevent people from hearing new ideas and challenging the status quo."

  Ardhendu De

Reference:

1. The great code : the Bible and literature : Frye, Northrop : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive. (1990). Internet Archive. https://archive.org/details/greatcodebibl00frye_0

2. The Elizabethan World Picture. (1943). In The Elizabethan World Picture by E.M.W. Tillyard.  

3. John Milton defends the right of freedom of the press and likens government censors to an “oligarchy” and a free press to a “flowery crop of knowledge” (1644) | Online Library of Liberty. (n.d.). John Milton Defends the Right of Freedom of the Press and Likens Government Censors to an “Oligarchy” and a Free Press to a “Flowery Crop of Knowledge” (1644) | Online Library of Liberty. https://oll.libertyfund.org/quote/john-milton-gave-a-speech-before-parliament-defending-the-right-of-freedom-of-speech-in-which-he-likened-the-government-censors-to-an-oligarchy-and-free-speech-to-a-flowery-crop-of-knowledge-1644

4. Areopagitica, and other political writings of John Milton : Milton, John, 1608-1674 : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive. (n.d.). Internet Archive. https://archive.org/details/areopagiticaothe0000milt_o9g8