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Before me and beside me sat a row of the comeliest young…

“Before me and beside me sat a row of the comeliest young men, clad in black gowns and wearing on their shoulders long hoods trimmed in white fur. Who and what they were I know not, for I preferred not to learn, lest by chance they should not be so mediaeval as they looked.” quote by Henry James
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““Before me and beside me sat a row of the comeliest young men, clad in black gowns and wearing on their shoulders long hoods trimmed in white fur. Who and what they were I know not, for I preferred not to learn, lest by chance they should not be so mediaeval as they looked.””

Henry James

About This Quote

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

The narrator avoids learning about mysterious figures, fearing they might be too archaic.

In simple terms: Avoiding knowledge to stay comfortable.

Key Takeaway

Embrace curiosity despite discomfort.

Themes

curiosity fear knowledge

Mood

reflective analytical

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • historical research
  • cultural study
  • personal growth
  • education

Key Concepts

psychology social observation

Questions to Reflect On

  • What unknowns do you avoid?
  • How could learning change your view?
A Different Perspective

Ignorance may lead to missed opportunities.

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