Blaise Pascal (1623 – 1662) was a French mathematician, physicist, inventor, writer and Catholic theologian. He was a child prodigy who was educated by his father. Pascal’s early work, in the fields of hydrodynamics and hydrostatics, centered on the principles of hydraulic fluids. His inventions include the hydraulic press and the syringe. Pascal was an important mathematician. He wrote a significant treatise on the subject of projective geometry at the age of 16, and later his correspondence on probability theory strongly influenced the development of modern economics and social science. Pascal’s most influential theological work, referred to posthumously as the Pensees (“Thoughts”), is a collection of fragments on theology and philosophy.
Quotes by Blaise Pascal…
Those who do not love the truth take as a pretext that it is disputed, and that a multitude deny it. And so their error arises only from the fact that they do not love either truth or charity.
Man does not know in what rank to place himself. He has plainly gone astray and fallen from his true place, without being able to find it again. He seeks it anxiously and unsuccessfully, everywhere in impenetrable darkness.
I have often said that all the misfortunes of men spring from their not knowing how to live quietly at home, in their own rooms.
It is your own assent to yourself, and the constant voice of your own reason, and not of others, that should make you believe.
Argument may be overcome by stronger argument, and force by greater force, but truth and force have no relation — nothing in common by which the one can act upon the other. They dwell apart, and will continue to do so.
If we subject everything to reason, our religion will have nothing mysterious or supernatural. If we violate the principles of reason, our religion will be absurd and ridiculous.
A mere trifle consoles us, for a mere trifle distresses us.
Each has his own fancies, opposed to his true good.
Why do we follow the majority? Is it because they have more reason? No, because they have more power.
Are you less a slave by being loved and favored by your master?… Your master favors you; he will soon beat you.
