Blaise Pascal

The only shame is to have none

The only shame is to have none

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?

Opinion is the queen of the world.
[Lat., Della opinione regina del mondo.]

Opinion is the queen of the world.
[Lat., Della opinione regina del mondo.]

Curiosity is only vanity. Most frequently we wish not to know, but to talk. We would not take a sea read more

Curiosity is only vanity. Most frequently we wish not to know, but to talk. We would not take a sea voyage for the sole pleasure of seeing without hope of ever telling.

Feast of Alban, first Martyr of Britain, c.209 We implore the mercy of God, not that He may leave read more

Feast of Alban, first Martyr of Britain, c.209 We implore the mercy of God, not that He may leave us at peace in our vices, but that He may deliver us from them.