Justice and power must be brought together, so that whatever is just may be powerful, and whatever is powerful may be just.
Blaise PascalRead
It is natural for the mind to believe and for the will to love; so that, for want of true objects, they must attach themselves to false.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The mind and will seek attachments when they lack true objects, often leading to misguided beliefs and affections.
Blaise Pascal's quote reflects on the human tendency to form attachments and beliefs, which arise from a deep-seated need for connection and understanding. When individuals do not have genuine or worthy objects of belief and love, their minds will inevitably latch onto falsehoods or misdirected affections, highlighting the importance of seeking truth in our pursuits.
Themes
BeliefLoveTruthAttachmentUnderstandingMisguided
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the nature of love and belief, this quote can illustrate the importance of seeking genuine connections.
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.
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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.
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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