Justice and power must be brought together, so that whatever is just may be powerful, and whatever is powerful may be just.
Blaise PascalRead
We only consult the ear because the heart is wanting.
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
All quotes →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
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