--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The sign, which says: \"Do not, under any…" description: "\"The sign, which says: \"Do not, under any circumstances, open this door!\" - Of course, I've read it. Why do you think I want it opened?.. To see why the..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3b7/terry-pratchett-19_bits_the-sign-which-says-do-not-under-any-cir_1344997.jpg" --- # The sign, which says: "Do not, under any circumstances… ![“The sign, which says: "Do not, under any circumstances, open this door!" - Of course, I've read it. Why do you think I want it opened?.. To see why they wanted it shut, of course. This exchange contains almost all you need to know about human civilization. At least, those bits of it that are now…” quote by Terry Pratchett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3b7/terry-pratchett-19_bits_the-sign-which-says-do-not-under-any-cir_1344997.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3b7/terry-pratchett-19_bits_the-sign-which-says-do-not-under-any-cir_1344997.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3b7/terry-pratchett-19_bits_the-sign-which-says-do-not-under-any-cir_1344997.jpg) > “The sign, which says: "Do not, under any circumstances, open this door!" - Of course, I've read it. Why do you think I want it opened?.. To see why they wanted it shut, of course. This exchange contains almost all you need to know about human civilization. At least, those bits of it that are now under the sea, fenced off or still smoking.” [Terry Pratchett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/terry-pratchett/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Forbidden doors intrigue us; the desire to uncover hidden truths drives curiosity about civilization. **In simple terms:** Curiosity about secrets. Key Takeaway Question why things are hidden. Themes curiosity forbidden knowledge human nature Mood playful thought‑provoking Type fiction cautionary When to use this quote - exploration - research - archaeology - storytelling Key Concepts psychology of secrecy cultural myths Questions to Reflect On - What doors are you tempted to open? - What can we learn from what is concealed? A Different Perspective Obsession with secrets can be dangerous. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Civilization](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/civilization/) [Human civilization](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/human-civilization/) [Humans](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/humans/) [Open Door](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/open-door/) [Sea](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sea/) [Smoking](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/smoking/) [Thinking](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/thinking/) ## Related quotes > [“The senior wizards of Unseen University stood and looked at the door. 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With visions of redemption I walk against the crowd.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/melissa-etheridge/the-sign-says-do-not-enter-no-trespassing-allowed-with-visions-of/) [Melissa Etheridge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/melissa-etheridge/) ## More by Terry Pratchett > [“This one’s mental.’ ‘Eccentric.’ ‘What’s the difference?’ ‘A bag of cash.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/terry-pratchett/this-one-s-mental-eccentric-what-s-the-difference-a-bag-of-cash/) [Terry Pratchett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/terry-pratchett/) > [“But I did not return until half past four this morning and I distinctly remember stubbing my toe on the stairs. 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