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…
When a natural discourse paints a passion or an effect, one feels within oneself the truth of what one reads. This feeling was there before, although one did not know it. Therefore, one is inclined to love him who makes us feel it, for he has not shown us his own riches, but ours.
A principle installed into a good mind brings forth fruit.
When we wish to correct with advantage, and to show another that he errs, we must notice from what side he views the matter, for on that side it is usually true, and admit that truth to him, but reveal to him the side on which it is false. He is satisfied with that, for he sees that he was not mistaken, and that he only failed to see all sides.
Human life is thus only an endless illusion. Men deceive and flatter each other. No one speaks of us in our presence as he does when we are gone. Society is based on mutual hypocrisy.
We are troubled only by the fears which we, and not nature, give ourselves.
All of humanity’s problems stem from man’s inability to sit quietly in a room alone.
