From the author of the esteemed epic poem, Paradise Lost, comes one history’s most influential arguments against censorship. John Milton was known for his linguistic genius and political activity, often writing to support his views. During the height of the English Civil War, Milton published Areopagitica. Structured like an oral speech but delivered by pamphlets that Milton illegally printed and distributed, Areopagitica argues against censorship and advocates for the freedom of speech and expression. Published in 1644, Areopagitica is a direct response to the Licensing Order of 1643, opposing it so much that Milton defied the order to print his polemic. The Licensing Order of 1643 required authors to obtain a license from the British Parliament before their work could be published, which meant the government could control what was printed, and censor anything that went against the social norm or criticized their policies. Milton created an argument against this order, providing historical evidence and context against the licensing system, imagining the future harm the order would cause, and advocated for the use of books and literacy. Despite Milton’s avid and passionate argument, the right to a free press was not achieved for nearly fifty years. Still, Areopagitica shaped future philosophical and political ideas in several countries.
Areopagitica by John Milton is regarded as an important historical document, an influential text, and a perfect example of the intelligence of the legendary author, John Milton. As it was published in response to major historical events, Areopagitica preserves the emotional responses from English citizens during a crucial time in their history, and is regarded as one of the most influential arguments for free speech. Though John Milton did not achieve his original intentions, Areopagitica set a precedent for the philosophy of free thought and expression, which in turn has shaped the modern idea of freedoms and their implications.
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John Milton (1608-1657) was an English poet and intellectual. Milton worked as a civil servant for the Commonwealth of England and wrote during a time of religious change and political upheaval. Having written works of great importance and having made strong political decisions, Milton was of influence both during his life and after his death. He was an innovator of language, as he would often introduce Latin words to the English canon, and used his linguistic knowledge to produce propaganda and censorship for the English Republic’s foreign correspondence. Milton is now regarded as one of the best writers of the English language, exuding unparalleled intellect and talent.
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