Philosophy

Pensées: 8 key ideas

by Blaise Pascal

The core ideas of Pensées, each in under a minute, written in our own words. Want the full depth? Get the book.

1. IDEA 1 OF 8

   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 OF 8

   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 OF 8

   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.

4. IDEA 4 OF 8

   Diversion hides our condition

   Pascal argues that people keep busy with games, work and entertainment to avoid thinking about death and their own condition.

   He calls this diversion. Sitting quietly alone is hard for us.

5. IDEA 5 OF 8

   The heart knows its own way

   Pascal argues that some truths are known by the heart, through intuition and feeling, rather than reason alone.

   Faith, he suggests, involves this kind of knowing. Reason has limits. Intuition matters.

6. IDEA 6 OF 8

   Pascal proposes a wager

   Pascal's famous wager argues that if God exists, believing brings infinite gain, while if God does not, little is lost.

   So it is reasonable to bet on faith. The bet has been debated ever since.

7. IDEA 7 OF 8

   Three orders of reality

   Pascal describes three orders: the body, the mind and charity, or love.

   Each is higher than the last, and love is the highest. Love surpasses intellect. Charity is highest of all.

8. IDEA 8 OF 8

   God is partly hidden

   Pascal argues that God is partly hidden, visible to those who seek him but not forced on those who do not.

   This leaves room for free choice. Seeking is rewarded.