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Men sholde nat knowe of Goddes pryvetee Ye, blessed be…

“Men sholde nat knowe of Goddes pryvetee Ye, blessed be alwey, a lewed man That noght but oonly his believe kan! So ferde another clerk with astromye, He walked in the feelds, for to prye Upon the sterres, what ther sholde bifalle, Til he was in a marle-pit yfalle.” quote by Geoffrey Chaucer
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“Men sholde nat knowe of Goddes pryvetee Ye, blessed be alwey, a lewed man That noght but oonly his believe kan! So ferde another clerk with astromye, He walked in the feelds, for to prye Upon the sterres, what ther sholde bifalle, Til he was in a marle-pit yfalle.”

Geoffrey Chaucer

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A warning that curiosity about divine secrets can lead to downfall.

In simple terms: Seeking hidden knowledge may bring ruin.

Key Takeaway

Beware probing secrets.

Themes

curiosity faith hubris

Mood

cautionary reflective

Type

moral didactic

When to use this quote

  • scholars
  • clergy
  • pilgrims
  • seeking truth

Key Concepts

theology medieval literature

Questions to Reflect On

  • What boundaries should be respected?
  • How does humility protect us?
A Different Perspective

Not all secrets are meant to be uncovered.

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