"Seek not to know what must not be reveal, for joy only flows where fate is most concealed. A busy person would find their sorrows much more; if future fortunes were known before!"
- John Dryden
About this Quote
The quote by John Dryden talks to the wisdom of accepting unpredictability and the natural order of life. It suggests that there is a specific peace and joy to be found in the secret of the future, instead of in understanding every information of what is to come. Dryden is essentially encouraging against the temptation to discover the unidentified or the future, implying that there is a natural delight that accompanies life's unpredictability.
The very first part of the quote, "Seek not to know what should not be revealed", warns against the desire to unveil the mysteries that life holds. It indicates that some things are kept concealed for a reason, and penetrating too deeply can result in unnecessary distress or disruption of the natural flow of life.
The expression "for pleasure just flows where fate is most concealed" recommends that authentic joy exists where fate and future remain mysterious. The idea is that the unfolding of life needs to be experienced as it takes place, without the problem of foreknowledge, which might lead to fixation with events beyond one's control.
In the latter part of the quote, "A hectic person would discover their griefs a lot more; if future fortunes were understood before", Dryden presumes that knowing one's future would likely increase rather than reduce one's worries. The "busy individual" represents someone who is preoccupied with life's needs. For such people, having actually detailed understanding of future events would add to their sadness, as they may end up being overwhelmed by the weight of impending events, be they favorable or negative.
In essence, Dryden's words commemorate the beauty of living in the present, embracing life's journey with all its unpredictabilities. The unpredictability of fate enables hope, surprise, and spontaneous joy, which may be lost if everything were exposed ahead of time. The quote serves as a tip to rely on the unfolding of life and to find contentment in the unidentified.
This quote is written / told by John Dryden between August 9, 1631 and May 12, 1700. He was a famous Poet from England.
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