Justice and power must be brought together, so that whatever is just may be powerful, and whatever is powerful may be just.
Blaise PascalRead
If we examine our thoughts, we shall find them always occupied with the past or the future.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Our thoughts tend to dwell on what has happened or what may happen, rather than the present moment.
Blaise Pascal’s quote highlights the tendency of human thought to be preoccupied with time—either reflecting on past events or worrying about future possibilities. This observation suggests that we often overlook the present, which can lead to feelings of regret or anxiety. By recognizing this pattern, we can strive to be more mindful and appreciate the current moment.
Themes
ThoughtsPastFuturePresentMindfulness
In practice
Example use cases
Encouraging a friend to be more present during a difficult time.
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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