Better to reign in Hell than serve in Heaven.

What it means

Satan prefers ruling a ruin to obeying anyone. Milton means it as pride's motto, not a model. Ask whether your independence serves anything beyond your ego.

The source

"Better to reign in Hell than serve in Heaven." Milton said it in Paradise Lost 1.263. Written in English: Paradise Lost, 1674 text, Project Gutenberg #26.

"Better to reign in Hell than serve in Heaven."

Original English (Paradise Lost, 1674 text, Project Gutenberg #26), Paradise Lost 1.263. Text read at gutenberg.org.

Who said it

Milton (1608–1674). English poet who dictated Paradise Lost after going blind. His epic of the fall made the mind its own place.

Questions

What does "Better to reign in Hell than serve in Heaven." mean?

Satan prefers ruling a ruin to obeying anyone. Milton means it as pride's motto, not a model. Ask whether your independence serves anything beyond your ego.

Who said "Better to reign in Hell than serve in Heaven."?

Milton (1608–1674). Source: Paradise Lost 1.263.

What is the original wording?

Better to reign in Hell than serve in Heaven (Original English (Paradise Lost, 1674 text, Project Gutenberg #26)). Written in English: Paradise Lost, 1674 text, Project Gutenberg #26.

Is "Better to reign in Hell than serve in Heaven." on a shirt?

Yes. We print it to order on our tees in 7 illustrated looks, from $44, with free US shipping.

"Better to reign in Hell than serve in Heaven." (Milton, Paradise Lost 1.263, trans. Original English (Paradise Lost, 1674 text, Project Gutenberg #26)). https://spartansurfers.com/quotes/better-to-reign-in-hell-than-serve-in