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Ha!" he thought. “That will teach me to meddle with magic…

“Ha!" he thought. “That will teach me to meddle with magic meant for kings! Norrell is right. Some magic is not meant for ordinary magicians. Presumably John Uskglass knew what to do with this horrible knowledge. I do not. Should I tell someone? The Duke? He will not thank me for it.” quote by Susanna Clarke
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““Ha!" he thought. “That will teach me to meddle with magic meant for kings! Norrell is right. Some magic is not meant for ordinary magicians. Presumably John Uskglass knew what to do with this horrible knowledge. I do not. Should I tell someone? The Duke? He will not thank me for it.””

Susanna Clarke

About This Quote

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

Forbidden knowledge can tempt even the cautious, leading to moral dilemmas.

In simple terms: Dangerous magic tempts the curious.

Key Takeaway

Weigh consequences before using powerful knowledge.

Themes

power knowledge ethics magic

Mood

thoughtful cautious

Type

fantasy ethical

When to use this quote

  • academic research
  • political intrigue
  • personal secrets

Key Concepts

moral philosophy fantasy lore

Questions to Reflect On

  • When should you share dangerous information?
  • Who decides what knowledge is too risky?
A Different Perspective

The line between curiosity and hubris is thin.

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