---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: You cannot outguess the gods. Hold to…"
description: "\"“You cannot outguess the gods. Hold to virtue—if you can identify it—and trust that the duty set before you is the duty desired of you. And that the ta..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c28/lois-mcmaster-bujold-716_quote_you-cannot-outguess-the-gods-hold-to-vir_2016527.jpg"
---

#  You cannot outguess the gods. Hold to virtue—if you can…

![“You cannot outguess the gods. Hold to virtue—if you can identify it—and trust that the duty set before you is the duty desired of you. And that the talents given to you are the talents you should place in the gods’ service. Believe that the gods ask for nothing back that they have not first lent…” quote by Lois McMaster Bujold](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c28/lois-mcmaster-bujold-716_quote_you-cannot-outguess-the-gods-hold-to-vir_2016527.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c28/lois-mcmaster-bujold-716_quote_you-cannot-outguess-the-gods-hold-to-vir_2016527.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c28/lois-mcmaster-bujold-716_quote_you-cannot-outguess-the-gods-hold-to-vir_2016527.jpg)

> ““You cannot outguess the gods. Hold to virtue—if you can identify it—and trust that the duty set before you is the duty desired of you. And that the talents given to you are the talents you should place in the gods’ service. Believe that the gods ask for nothing back that they have not first lent to you. Not even your life.””

[Lois McMaster Bujold](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lois-mcmaster-bujold/)

## About This Quote

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

One must align personal abilities with divine purpose, trusting that duties and gifts are pre‑ordained and self‑less.

**In simple terms:** Serve higher purpose with your talents.

Key Takeaway

Trust and act according to perceived divine duty.

Themes

virtue service destiny

Mood

reflective hopeful

Type

spiritual philosophical

When to use this quote

- career decisions
- leadership roles
- personal development
- spiritual practice

Key Concepts

theology free will self‑sacrifice

Questions to Reflect On

- Do you feel your talents are guided by a higher purpose?
- How can you identify true virtue?

A Different Perspective

Assumes existence of a deity and clear divine will, which may be contested.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

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## More by Lois McMaster Bujold

> [What you are is a question only you can answer.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lois-mcmaster-bujold/what-you-are-is-a-question-only-you-can-answer/)

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