The Cloud of Unknowing

The Cloud of Unknowing
The first page of Cloud of Unknowing in the 15th century manuscript Harley MS 2373, beginning with the Decorated initial "I"[note 1][1]
AuthorAnonymous
Original titleThe Cloude of Unknowyng
LanguageMiddle English
SubjectSpiritual guide to contemplative prayer
GenreChristian mysticism
Publication date
Late 14th century
Publication placeEngland
Followed byThe Book of Privy Counseling 

The Cloud of Unknowing (Middle English: The Cloude of Unknowyng) is an anonymous work of Christian mysticism written in Middle English in the latter half of the 14th century. The text is a spiritual guide on contemplative prayer. The underlying message of this work suggests that the way to know God is to abandon consideration of God's particular activities and attributes, and be courageous enough to surrender one's mind and ego to the realm of "unknowing", at which point one may begin to glimpse the nature of God.

  1. ^ a b Wight, C. "Image of an item from the British Library Catalogue of Illuminated Manuscripts". www.bl.uk. Retrieved 19 February 2023.


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