Justice and power must be brought together, so that whatever is just may be powerful, and whatever is powerful may be just.
Blaise PascalRead
Thus so wretched is man that he would weary even without any cause for weariness... and so frivolous is he that, though full of a thousand reasons for weariness, the least thing, such as playing billiards or hitting a ball, is sufficient enough to amuse him.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Humans are inherently restless and easily distracted, often finding amusement in trivial activities despite deeper existential struggles.
This quote by Blaise Pascal reflects on the human condition, emphasizing the innate restlessness and dissatisfaction that people experience. Pascal suggests that man is so burdened by his existential plight that even in the absence of substantial reasons to feel weary, he finds himself tired. Yet, paradoxically, he can easily distract himself with trivial pursuits, such as games or lighthearted activities, highlighting a contrast between profound discontent and the pursuit of fleeting pleasures.
Themes
ExistentialDistractionHuman ConditionRestlessnessAmusement
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the nature of happiness, this quote could illustrate the search for meaning amid trivial distractions.
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.
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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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