Justice and power must be brought together, so that whatever is just may be powerful, and whatever is powerful may be just.
Blaise PascalRead
The manner in which Epictetus, Montaigne, and Salomon de Tultie wrote, is the most usual, the most suggestive, the most remembered, and the oftener quoted; because it is entirely composed of thoughts born from the common talk of life.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the power of relatable and accessible writing based on everyday experiences.
Blaise Pascal highlights the importance of writing that resonates with common human experience. He notes that great thinkers like Epictetus, Montaigne, and Salomon de Tultie are often quoted because their thoughts stem from the ordinary conversations and realities of life, making them memorable and impactful. Such writing captures universal truths that speak to the shared experiences of humanity, leading to a deeper connection with readers.
Themes
WisdomWritingExperienceCommonThoughtsCommunication
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech on literary inspiration, one might quote Pascal to emphasize the value of writing that connects with everyday life.
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.
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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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