Justice and power must be brought together, so that whatever is just may be powerful, and whatever is powerful may be just.
Blaise PascalRead
One-half of the ills of life come because men are unwilling to sit down quietly for thirty minutes to think through all the possible consequences of their acts.
Interpretation
What this quote means
People often face problems because they do not take the time to reflect on their actions.
Blaise Pascal highlights the importance of thoughtful reflection before taking action. He suggests that many of life's difficulties arise from the impulsive decisions made without considering their potential consequences. By encouraging individuals to take deliberate time for contemplation, Pascal advocates for a more mindful approach to decision-making.
Themes
ReflectionConsequencesDecision MakingThoughtfulnessMindfulness
In practice
Example use cases
During a workshop on decision-making, I quoted Pascal to emphasize the importance of reflection before acting.
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.
Blaise PascalRead
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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