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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the balance between reason and faith in religion.
Blaise Pascal's quote highlights the importance of finding equilibrium between reason and belief in the context of religion. He warns against two extremes: one where all religious beliefs are subjected to rational scrutiny, stripping them of their mystery, and the other where reason is completely disregarded, leading to absurdity. Pascal suggests that both approaches can diminish the essence and relevance of faith, and that a harmonious relationship between reason and belief is essential for a meaningful understanding of religion.
Themes
ReasonFaithReligionMysteryBelief
In practice
Example use cases
During a debate on the relationship between science and religion, this quote can be used to emphasize the need for balance.
More from Blaise Pascal
All quotes →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.
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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.
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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?
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It is the fight alone that pleases us, not the victory.
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