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When the Prince of Piedmont [later Charles Emmanuel IV…

“When the Prince of Piedmont [later Charles Emmanuel IV, King of Sardinia] was seven years old, his preceptor instructing him in mythology told him all the vices were enclosed in Pandora's box. "What! all!" said the Prince. "Yes, all." "No," said the Prince; "curiosity must have been without.” quote by Horace Walpole
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“When the Prince of Piedmont [later Charles Emmanuel IV, King of Sardinia] was seven years old, his preceptor instructing him in mythology told him all the vices were enclosed in Pandora's box. "What! all!" said the Prince. "Yes, all." "No," said the Prince; "curiosity must have been without.”

Horace Walpole

About This Quote

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

A young prince learns that Pandora's box contains all vices, prompting curiosity about forbidden knowledge.

In simple terms: Curiosity about evil is natural.

Key Takeaway

Balance curiosity with caution.

Themes

philosophy history curiosity ethics education

Mood

inquisitive thoughtful historical

Type

literary ethical

When to use this quote

  • teaching
  • parenting
  • ethical debates
  • literary analysis

Key Concepts

mythology human nature knowledge limits

Questions to Reflect On

  • What drives human fascination with forbidden knowledge?
  • How can curiosity be guided responsibly?
A Different Perspective

May reflect period attitudes toward morality.

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