Justice and power must be brought together, so that whatever is just may be powerful, and whatever is powerful may be just.
Blaise PascalRead
I condemn equally those who choose to praise man, those who choose to condemn him and those who choose to divert themselves, and I can only approve of those who seek with groans.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote expresses a disdain for superficial judgments of people and values those who engage deeply with the human experience.
Blaise Pascal highlights the importance of genuine engagement with humanity rather than simply praising or condemning individuals based on superficial traits or actions. He emphasizes that understanding the complexities of human nature requires deep reflection and a willingness to confront discomfort, distinguishing those who seek truth from those who engage in empty praise or condemnation.
Themes
Human ExperienceUnderstandingJudgmentTruthReflection
In practice
Example use cases
In a philosophical discussion about morality and ethics.
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.
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Those are weaklings who know the truth and uphold it as long as it suits their purpose, and then abandon it.
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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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