Student Question
Discuss "On His Blindness" by Milton in light of the statement "Patience is a virtue."
Quick answer:
"On His Blindness" by Milton illustrates the virtue of patience through the poet's struggle with his blindness. Initially, Milton fears that his inability to write due to his blindness makes him useless to God. However, he learns that patience is key, as it reveals that God values the acceptance of limitations and suffering. Serving God does not require grand deeds; instead, bearing one's burdens patiently is a form of service that is equally valuable.
Milton is keen to continue serving God in his capacity as a great writer—yet he doesn't feel he's able to on account of his blindness. This makes him feel useless, as if he can no longer serve his Lord and master. Milton is worried that God will judge him harshly if he has not produced his "day labor" as others blessed with sight are able to.
Yet as Milton soon realizes, he has no reason to worry. Patience eases his troubled mind, whispering to him that God doesn't need man's work or his own gifts. Those who patiently bear the burden of their suffering serve him best. There are as many different ways to serve God as there are people. And those in Milton's position can serve God just as well as anyone else by patiently bearing their suffering.
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