Justice and power must be brought together, so that whatever is just may be powerful, and whatever is powerful may be just.
Blaise PascalRead
In each action we must look beyond the action at our past, present, and future state, and at others whom it affects, and see the relations of all those things. And then we shall be very cautious.
Interpretation
What this quote means
We should consider the broader implications of our actions on ourselves and others before acting cautiously.
Blaise Pascal emphasizes the importance of reflecting on our past experiences, current circumstances, and future consequences when we take action. This introspection allows us to understand how our choices affect not only ourselves but also those around us, fostering a sense of responsibility and caution in our decisions.
Themes
ReflectionCautionResponsibilityConsequencesDecision-Making
In practice
Example use cases
During a team meeting when discussing a new project proposal.
More from Blaise Pascal
All quotes →If 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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