--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: But I—forgive me. I have to know.\"…" description: "\"“But I—forgive me. I have to know.\" Nicholas swallowed hard. It was humiliating. But he was a scientist, trained to observe and question everything. \"W..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6af/t-baggins-62107_dark-eyes_but-i-forgive-me-i-have-to-know-nicholas_1634016.jpg" --- # But I—forgive me. I have to know." Nicholas swallowed… ![“But I—forgive me. I have to know." Nicholas swallowed hard. It was humiliating. But he was a scientist, trained to observe and question everything. "Will you bugger me?" Ban's laugh sounded genuine. "The Devil take you for French baggage! Do you realize Martha asked me the very same question, or…” quote by T. Baggins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6af/t-baggins-62107_dark-eyes_but-i-forgive-me-i-have-to-know-nicholas_1634016.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6af/t-baggins-62107_dark-eyes_but-i-forgive-me-i-have-to-know-nicholas_1634016.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6af/t-baggins-62107_dark-eyes_but-i-forgive-me-i-have-to-know-nicholas_1634016.jpg) > ““But I—forgive me. I have to know." Nicholas swallowed hard. It was humiliating. But he was a scientist, trained to observe and question everything. "Will you bugger me?" Ban's laugh sounded genuine. "The Devil take you for French baggage! Do you realize Martha asked me the very same question, or near as makes no difference? See what your influence has wrought. Tell me, Nicky, have you ever enjoyed even a thimbleful of diversion before opening your accursed mouth?" "But I have to know," Nicholas repeated earnestly. "How shall I prepare myself? What if I scream? What if I shit?" "What if I dash your brains out? In a no doubt useless bid for peace," Ban countered, dark eyes snapping with amusement. "God's teeth. To the stairs. At once!”” [T. Baggins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/t-baggins/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. A scientist confronts fear and curiosity, questioning moral limits while seeking knowledge. **In simple terms:** A scientist faces fear and seeks knowledge. Key Takeaway Balance curiosity with ethical restraint. Themes fear curiosity ethics science humor Mood anxious darkly humorous reflective Type literary dialogue philosophical When to use this quote - research labs - medical trials - ethical debates - personal crises Key Concepts moral dilemma risk assessment self‑reflection Questions to Reflect On - How do you balance curiosity with moral responsibility? - When does humor help or hinder serious decisions? 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