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's greatness is great in that he knows himself wretched. A tree does not know itself wretched. It is then being wretched to know oneself wretched; but it is being great to know that one is wretched.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Understanding one's flaws is a sign of greatness, unlike nature which lacks self-awareness.
Blaise Pascal's quote highlights the unique human ability to reflect on one's own flaws and shortcomings. Unlike a tree that exists in a state of ignorance regarding its nature, a human's awareness of their wretchedness signifies a higher level of self-awareness and complexity. This knowledge can be a source of both suffering and insight, indicating that the ability to recognize and grapple with one's own imperfections elevates the human experience.
Themes
Self-AwarenessHuman ConditionReflectionGreatnessFlaws
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about personal growth and self-reflection, one might quote Pascal to emphasize the importance of understanding one's limitations.
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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