The Cloud of Unknowing
by Anonymous
"The Cloud of Unknowing" is a 14th-century mystical text that guides readers on the path to experiencing God through contemplation and love, emphasizing the importance of surrendering intellectual knowledge. The author advocates for a deep, experiential relationship with the divine, urging the practitioner to enter into a "cloud of unknowing" where thoughts and concepts are set aside. This work highlights the transformative power of silence and inner stillness in spiritual growth.
19 curated highlights from this book
Key Insights & Memorable Quotes
Below are the most impactful passages and quotes from The Cloud of Unknowing, carefully selected to capture the essence of the book.
For there is no other way to come to the knowledge of God than by unknowing.
In this darkness, you will find the light of God.
Love is the greatest gift of all.
The more you know Him, the more you will desire Him.
Be still and know that I am God.
Let go of all that you know and seek the unknown.
Your heart must be pure and free from distractions.
In the depths of your heart, seek the truth.
The path to God is a path of surrender.
Silence is the language of God.
For if you are to know God, you must forget yourself.
The more you know, the more you realize you do not know.
In the cloud of unknowing, you must seek Him with a loving heart.
The way to God is through the unknowing of the mind.
Let go of all your own understanding.
God cannot be understood by the intellect.
Contemplation is the highest form of prayer.
The heart must be prepared to receive Him.
In the unknowing lies the true knowledge of God.