Of Education

work by Milton

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July 1, 2026

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John Milton's Of Education (1644) outlines a curriculum for the nobility, emphasizing Greek and Latin to access classical literature, philosophy, and politics. The goal was to prepare gentlemen for public and private life, including military service. Milton's plan did not include public or university education, possibly reflecting his dissatisfaction with Cambridge. This work is a product of Renaissance humanism, aiming to cultivate enlightened and responsible citizens and leaders, with a focus on classical studies, the Bible, sciences, and physical exercise.12

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John Milton
Tracts on education and free expression
…of Divorce appeared, Milton published Of Education (1644). In line with the ideal of the Renaissance gentleman, Milton outlines a curriculum emphasizing the Greek and Latin languages not merely in and of themselves but as the means to learn directly the wisdom of Classical antiquity in literature, philosophy, and politics.…
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…of Divorce appeared, Milton published Of Education (1644). In line with the ideal of the Renaissance gentleman, Milton outlines a curriculum emphasizing the Greek and Latin languages not merely in and of themselves but as the means to learn directly the wisdom of Classical antiquity in literature, philosophy, and politics.…
Read More

education
The Puritan reformers
Of Education (1644), written at the request of Hartlib, was one of the last in the long line of European expositions of Renaissance humanism. Milton’s aim was the traditional one: the molding of boys into enlightened, cultivated, responsible citizens and leaders. His proposed academy, which…
Read More
Of Education (1644), written at the request of Hartlib, was one of the last in the long line of European expositions of Renaissance humanism. Milton’s aim was the traditional one: the molding of boys into enlightened, cultivated, responsible citizens and leaders. His proposed academy, which…
Read More