---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: [T]hey gave thanks that they were…"
description: "\"“[T]hey gave thanks that they were permitted to see so much, and begged for forgiveness for their desire to see more.”\" — Ted Chiang"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/119/ted-chiang-11432_forgiveness_t-hey-gave-thanks-that-they-were-permitt_1608297.jpg"
---

#  \[T\]hey gave thanks that they were permitted to see so…

![“&#91;T&#93;hey gave thanks that they were permitted to see so much, and begged for forgiveness for their desire to see more.” quote by Ted Chiang](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/119/ted-chiang-11432_forgiveness_t-hey-gave-thanks-that-they-were-permitt_1608297.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/119/ted-chiang-11432_forgiveness_t-hey-gave-thanks-that-they-were-permitt_1608297.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/119/ted-chiang-11432_forgiveness_t-hey-gave-thanks-that-they-were-permitt_1608297.jpg)

> ““\[T\]hey gave thanks that they were permitted to see so much, and begged for forgiveness for their desire to see more.””

[Ted Chiang](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ted-chiang/)

## About This Quote

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

Acknowledges gratitude for perception and seeks forgiveness for insatiable curiosity.

**In simple terms:** Thankful for seeing, yet yearning more.

Key Takeaway

Balance appreciation with humility.

Themes

gratitude curiosity forgiveness

Mood

reflective humble

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

- scientific research
- spiritual practice
- artistic creation

Key Concepts

philosophy ethics

Questions to Reflect On

- What limits should we set on our desire to know?
- How does gratitude temper curiosity?

A Different Perspective

May imply endless desire is problematic.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Forgiveness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/forgiveness/) [Gratitude](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/gratitude/)

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