Quotes by Pascal

We never do evil so effectually as when we are led to do it by a false principle of conscience.

— Pascal

Education

Reflect on death as in Jesus Christ, not as without Jesus Christ. Without Jesus Christ it is dreadful, it is alarming, it is the terror of nature. In Jesus Christ it is fair and lovely, it is good and holy, it is the joy of saints.

— Pascal

Happiness

There is a virtuous fear, which is the effect of faith; and there is a vicious fear, which is the product of doubt. The former leads to hope, as relying on God, in whom we believe; the latter inclines to despair, as not relying on God, in whom we do not believe. Persons of the one character fear to lose God; persons of the other character fear to find Him.

— Pascal

Courage

The main object of the gospel is to establish two principles, the corruption of nature, and the redemption by Jesus Christ.

— Pascal

Wisdom

Happiness is neither within us nor without us, it is the union of ourselves with God.

— Pascal

Happiness

What a chimera is man! what a confused chaos! what a subject of contradiction! a professed judge of all things, and yet a feeble worm of the earth! the great depositary and guardian of truth, and yet a mere huddle of uncertainty! the glory and the scandal of the universe!

— Pascal

Truth

Christian piety annihilates the egotism of the heart; worldly politeness vails and represses it.

— Pascal

Love

Human things must be known to be loved; but Divine things must be loved to be known.

— Pascal

Life