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 only a reed, the weakest in nature, but he is a thinking reed. There is no need for the whole universe to take up arms to crush him: a vapour, a drop of water is enough to kill him. but even if the universe were to crush him, man would still be nobler than his slayer, because he knows that he is dying and the advantage the universe has over him. The universe knows none of this.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Human consciousness and awareness elevate man above his physical fragility.
In this quote, Blaise Pascal reflects on the paradox of human existence, emphasizing that while humans are physically weak like a reed, it is their ability to think and be self-aware that grants them a unique nobility. Even in the face of certain death, human awareness allows individuals to recognize their fate, bestowing them an intrinsic dignity that the indifferent universe does not possess, thus highlighting the profound value of human thought and consciousness.
Themes
HumanityConsciousnessFragilityNobilityExistence
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the value of life and self-awareness, this quote can illustrate the strength of the human spirit.
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.
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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