Justice and power must be brought together, so that whatever is just may be powerful, and whatever is powerful may be just.
Blaise PascalRead
The greatness of man is great in that he knows himself to be wretched. A tree does not know itself to be wretched.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Human greatness lies in self-awareness and the recognition of one's own shortcomings, unlike nature which lacks this consciousness.
Blaise Pascal's quote reflects on the unique capability of humans to recognize their own flaws and limitations, which is a sign of greatness. This self-awareness distinguishes mankind from the natural world, such as a tree, which exists without such insight or concern about its 'wretchedness'. In understanding our imperfections, we can strive for improvement and deeper self-understanding, showcasing the complexity of human existence.
Themes
Self-AwarenessHuman NatureGreatnessFlawsExistence
In practice
Example use cases
In a self-reflective speech about personal growth, you might quote Pascal to emphasize the importance of knowing one's weaknesses.
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.
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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?
Blaise PascalRead
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