The title says it all. Does anyone know where this phrase “would you rather serve in heaven or reign in hell?” orginiated and in what context it came about?
That is from Paradise Lost, by John Milton.
It is from Milton’s Paradise Lost. When Lucifer was banished from heaven he said, “It is better to rule in Hell than serve in Heaven.”
Actually I think the line is: Better to reign in hell than serve in heav’n.
ETA: Sorry Amp wasn’t trying to correct you I didn’t see your post when I submited.
When ordinary folks use this particular line referring to their own choices, I always point out to them that that particular job is already filled. So, your actual choices are serve in heaven, or serve in hell.
Tris
Wow, that was quick. I knew I hung around here for a reason.
Thanks
I bet that goes over well…
I like to point out that Lucifer said this line in the way of sour grapes. He had already been cast out of Heaven, and no longer had the option of serving there. So now I’m in Hell, I’d rather reign here anyway, so there. Nyah.
Koxinga: That isn’t the only way to interpret it. Milton’s Satan was a rebel and his whole philosophy was bent against slavery, even the presumably pleasant slavery in Heaven. His mind, due to this philosophy, made a Hell of Heaven and a Heaven of Hell simply because he was only free in Hell. “Non serviam!” (I will not serve) still rings down through the ages as his statement of defiance.
I was being a bit facetious–and I suspect you’re a bit more well-read than I am on this 
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Even centuries from now, mankind will rue these words.