In Areopagitica, John Milton vigorously argues against Parliament's decision to license books and suppress unlicensed books because Milton believes that this is an insult to learning and truth itself. Along the way, Milton uses some fascinating metaphors to help us better understand the nature of truth. Let's look at some of these.

Truth, Milton says, is like “a streaming fountain.” Its waters must be allowed to flow in “perpetuall progression” so that they don't get bogged down in the mud of “conformity and tradition.” Parliament's act bogs down truth and does not allow it to flow freely through all kinds of books that look at it from different angles.

Truth, Milton also maintains, is “our richest Marchandize.” It is true wealth, and it must be allowed to circulate freely in a proper trade.

Finally, Milton tells a little fable about truth. When she came into the world, truth was perfectly shaped and glorious, but she has since been broken up into many little pieces and scattered to the four winds. The pieces of truth must be found and reassembled, and everyone has a responsibility to contribute to this even though the task will not likely be accomplished until the end of time. Parliament's order prevents people from gathering up scattered truth and from discovering the many different shapes in which truth presents itself.