Justice and power must be brought together, so that whatever is just may be powerful, and whatever is powerful may be just.
Blaise PascalRead
Man is obviously made for thinking. Therein lies all his dignity and his merit; and his whole duty is to think as he ought.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of thought and reason in defining human dignity and responsibility.
Blaise Pascal asserts that the essence of being human is our capacity for thought, which grants us dignity and merit. He suggests that it is our obligation to engage in proper thinking, implying that the quality of our thoughts directly impacts our lives and moral standing. Therefore, the pursuit of knowledge and understanding is not just a privilege, but a duty that shapes our humanity.
Themes
ThinkingDignityDutyPhilosophyHuman Nature
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a discussion about the role of critical thinking in education.
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.
Blaise PascalRead
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.
Blaise PascalRead
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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