Abbey of Theleme |
The Abbey of Theleme was presented to Friar John by Gargantua, who built it to reward his assistance in the defeat of King Picrochole. Friar John desired his religious order to be exactly contrary to all others, so he had the Abbey built without walls and without clocks. He decreed that there should be no women where there were no men, and no men where there were no women; and instead of the vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience, he decreed that anyone could marry, get rich, and live at liberty. The rules contained one clause: "Do what you will" ("Fay ce que vouldras") « PANTAGRUELION » |