Blaise Pascal

I have made this letter longer than usual, because I lack the time to make it short.

I have made this letter longer than usual, because I lack the time to make it short.

Earnestness is enthusiasm tempered by reason.

Earnestness is enthusiasm tempered by reason.

I have only made this letter rather long because I have not had
time to make it shorter.
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I have only made this letter rather long because I have not had
time to make it shorter.
[Fr., Je n'ai fait celle-ci plus longue que parceque je n'ai pas
eu le loisir de la faire plus courte.]

Eloquence is a painting of the thoughts.

Eloquence is a painting of the thoughts.

What use is it to us to hear it said of a man that he has thrown off the yoke, read more

What use is it to us to hear it said of a man that he has thrown off the yoke, that he does not believe there is a God to watch over his actions, that he reckons himself the sole master of his behavior, and that he does not intend to give an account of it to anyone but himself? Does he think that in that way he will have straightway persuaded us to have complete confidence in him, to look to him for consolation, for advice, and for help, in the vicissitudes of life? Do such men think that they have delighted us by telling us that they hold our souls to be nothing but a little wind and smoke -- and by saying it in conceited and complacent tones? Is that a thing to say blithely? Is it not rather a thing to say sadly -- as if it were the saddest thing in the world?