Blaise Pascal

Pensées

1. IDEA 1

   Notes for a defence of faith

   Pascal, a brilliant mathematician and scientist, left behind notes for a book defending Christianity. Published after his death as the Pensées, or thoughts, they explore the human condition and the case for faith.

2. IDEA 2

   Humans are both wretched and great

   Pascal argues that humans are a puzzling mix of greatness and misery. We are weak and mortal, yet our ability to think and know our weakness gives us dignity. Both truths must be held.

3. IDEA 3

   Thought is our dignity

   Pascal compares humans to fragile reeds that can be crushed easily. Yet humans can think, and this ability to know ourselves makes us greater than the universe that can destroy us.

All 8 ideas from Pensées →