An aged brass compass rests on torn map paper against dark teal.

Original artwork, not a still

John Milton

A mind not to be chang'd by place or time.

Behind the line

What it means

Our interpretation.

The phrase declares an inner constancy that neither a new place nor passing time can alter. Its force lies in that refusal to yield to circumstances. Whether such steadiness seems admirable or troubling depends on the mind and convictions being held unchanged.

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