Justice and power must be brought together, so that whatever is just may be powerful, and whatever is powerful may be just.
Blaise PascalRead
It is not good to be too free. It is not good to have everything one wants.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True freedom requires limits, as having everything can lead to dissatisfaction.
Blaise Pascal's quote suggests that absolute freedom and the ability to satisfy all desires can ultimately be detrimental. He implies that constraints and challenges are necessary for a meaningful existence, as they shape our character and sense of purpose. Too much freedom can lead to boredom and a lack of appreciation for what we have, while limitations can foster growth and understanding.
Themes
FreedomDesiresLimitsExistenceHappiness
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the importance of boundaries for personal growth.
More from Blaise Pascal
All quotes βIf 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.
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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?
Blaise PascalRead
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