Justice and power must be brought together, so that whatever is just may be powerful, and whatever is powerful may be just.
Blaise PascalRead
People almost invariably arrive at their beliefs not on the basis of proof but on the basis of what they find attractive.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Beliefs often form not through evidence, but through personal attraction and desirability.
This quote by Blaise Pascal suggests that individuals are more likely to adopt beliefs that appeal to them personally rather than those supported by solid proof or logical reasoning. It reflects the idea that human emotions and desires significantly influence the conviction of one's beliefs, highlighting the complex nature of human psychology in the realm of understanding and interpreting truth.
Themes
BeliefsAttractionPsychologyPerceptionTruth
In practice
Example use cases
In a debate about science versus faith, one might use this quote to emphasize how personal attraction influences belief systems.
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.
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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