# Unbridled Curiosity and the Pursuit of Forbidden Knowledge in Vathek

> Theme guide for Vathek by William Beckford.

Vathek's insatiable desire to know everything, including sciences that do not exist, and his attempt to penetrate the secrets of heaven by building a tower, drive the plot and lead to his downfall.

## Where it surfaces

- [Vathek](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vathek_se/chapters/vathek): Vathek's insatiable desire to know everything, including non-existent sciences, drives him to build a tower for astrology and seek out magical knowledge, leading to his downfall.
- [Endnotes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vathek_se/chapters/endnotes): The notes reference astrological prophecy and the study of astrology by Vathek, reflecting the theme of forbidden knowledge.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vathek_se/themes/curiosity_and_knowledge
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vathek_se/themes