Justice and power must be brought together, so that whatever is just may be powerful, and whatever is powerful may be just.
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
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.
Those are weaklings who know the truth and uphold it as long as it suits their purpose, and then abandon it.
Jesus is the God whom we can approach without pride and before whom we can humble ourselves without despair.
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.
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?
Similar quotes
It is odd that neither the Church nor modern public opinion condemns petting, provided it stops short at a certain point. At what point sin begins is a matter as to which casuists differ. One eminently orthodox Catholic divine laid it down that a confessor may fondle a nun's breasts, provided he does it without evil intent. But I doubt whether modern authorities would agree with him on this point.
War stirs in men's hearts the mud of their worst instincts. It puts a premium on violence, nourishes hatred, and gives free rein to cupidity. It crushes the weak, exalts the unworthy, and bolsters tyranny .. .Time and time again it has destroyed all ordered living, devastated hope, and put the prophets to death.
Now therefore, that my mind is free from all cares, and that I have obtained for myself assured leisure in peaceful solitude, I shall apply myself seriously and freely to the general destruction of all my former opinions.
He only deserves to be remembered by posterity who treasures up and preserves the history of his ancestors.
I have not yet spoken my last word about women. I believe that if a woman succeeds in withdrawing from the mass, or rather raising herself from above the mass, she grows ceaselessly and more than a man.
Life in freedom is not easy, and democracy is not perfect.