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Milton John 1608 - 1674 (66)

He who reigns within himself and rules passions, desires, and fears is more than a king.


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Paradise lost



John Milton (1608 - 1674) was an English poet best known for his epic poem Lost Paradise. He was born on December 9, 1608 in London to a wealthy family and grew up in a strict Puritan home. At the age of 15 he enrolled at the University of Cambridge to study classical literature and philosophy against the will of his father who wanted him to be a theologian. At the same time he began to write poems, in English and Latin. At the time of his adulthood England was oppressed by the authoritarian Charles I and Milton, who was deeply humanist spoke out against him.

He took part in the revolution of 1649, became the poet of the movement, supporting it with fiery speeches. At that time he also occupied administrative positions, but the return of Charles to the throne of the dynasty put him in a difficult position; he was imprisoned for a while and then placed under house arrest. His health had been shaken from the inprisonment and he gradually began to lose his sight. He isolated himself and wrote the poem for which he became famous, the "Lost Paradise". It is a testament to his philosophy on the mystery of human nature, inspired by Homer, Virgil, Plato and especially the Bible.

He died on November 8, 1674 from kidney failure.