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 last function of reason is to recognize that there are an infinity of things which surpass it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Reason has its limits, and there will always be things beyond human understanding.
Blaise Pascal's quote emphasizes the limitations of human reason and intellect. While we use reason to understand the world around us, there are countless aspects of existence, such as emotions, experiences, and the universe itself, that elude complete rational explanation, reminding us to embrace the mystery and complexity of life.
Themes
ReasonLimitationsUnderstandingExistenceMystery
In practice
Example use cases
During a philosophical discussion on the importance of critical thinking.
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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