QuoteProject
We only consult the ear because the heart is wanting.
Blaise Pascal
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote suggests that people often seek external validation when their internal desires or feelings are unfulfilled.

Blaise Pascal's quote reflects the idea that we frequently look to others for guidance or approval when we feel a lack or emptiness within ourselves. It implies that our quest for external advice often stems from an internal need for connection, understanding, or emotional fulfillment. The heart symbolizes our deeper wants and feelings, and when these are not met, we turn to the 'ear'—signifying advice or opinions from others—in hopes of filling that void.

Themes

ConsultHeartWantingAdviceValidation

In practice

Example use cases

In a motivational speech about self-acceptance.

More from Blaise Pascal

Justice and power must be brought together, so that whatever is just may be powerful, and whatever is powerful may be just.
Blaise PascalRead
If we submit everything to reason our religion will be left with nothing mysterious or supernatural. If we offend the principles of reason our religion will be absurd and ridiculous . . . There are two equally dangerous extremes: to exclude reason, to admit nothing but reason.
Blaise PascalRead
Those are weaklings who know the truth and uphold it as long as it suits their purpose, and then abandon it.
Blaise PascalRead
Jesus is the God whom we can approach without pride and before whom we can humble ourselves without despair.
Blaise PascalRead
If he exalts himself, I humble him. If he humbles himself, I exalt him. And I go on contradicting him Until he understands That he is a monster that passes all understanding.
Blaise PascalRead
What use is it to us to hear it said of a man that he has thrown off the yoke that he does not believe there is a God to watch over his actions, that he reckons himself the sole master of his behavior, and that he does not intend to give an account of it to anyone but himself?
Blaise PascalRead

Similar quotes

Sanity is only that which is within the frame of reference of conventional thought.
Erich FrommRead
Every man is the builder of a temple called his body.
Henry David ThoreauRead
Ambition, and Covetousnesse are Passions that are perpetually incumbent, and pressing.
Thomas HobbesRead
Belief and disbelief have divided humankind into so many sects, blinding its eyes to the vision of the Oneness of all Life.
Hazrat Inayat KhanRead
In the fulfillment of your duties, let your intentions be so pure that you reject from your actions any other motive than the glory of God and the salvation of souls.
Pope John Paul IiRead
I think all things are political... How women are portrayed - that's a big thing for me. What is this role trying to say about women? Is this woman weak or victimised, and, if so, do we get to understand why?
Maxine PeakeRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.