Areopagitica is a prose work by John Milton, published in 1644, advocating for the freedom of speech and the press. It was written in response to the English Parliament's licensing order, which required authors to obtain approval before publishing their works. Milton argued that censorship stifles creativity and the pursuit of truth. In this influential text, Milton emphasizes the importance of open discourse and the exchange of ideas, asserting that truth will ultimately prevail over falsehood. Areopagitica remains a foundational work in discussions about freedom of expression and the role of government in regulating speech.