Quote by Blaise Pascal, Pens
Anyone who considers himself in this way will be seized with terror and, discovering that the mass nature has given him supports itself between two abysses of infinity and nothingness, he will tremble in the face of these marvels; and I believe that as his curiosity changes to admiration, he will be more disposed to contemplate them in silence then search them out with presumption.For, finally, what is man in nature? He is nothing in comparison with the infinite, and everything in comparison with nothingness, a middle term between all and nothing. He is infinitely severed from comprehending the extremes; the end of things and their principle are for him invincibly hidden in an impenetrable secret; he is equally incapable of seeing the nothingness from which he arises and the infinity into which he is engulfed.http://www.wsu.edu/~dee/ENLIGHT/PENSEES.HTM
Summary
This quote, taken from "Pensées" by Blaise Pascal, highlights the overwhelming nature of human existence. Pascal suggests that when we confront the vastness of the universe, we are struck with both terror and fascination. In comparison to the infinite expanse of the cosmos, humans are insignificant, yet in comparison to absolute nothingness, we hold great significance. Man is forever unable to comprehend the ultimate origins and final purposes of the universe, making it an impenetrable mystery. Pascal argues that instead of trying to conquer this mystery through arrogant presumption, we should approach it with silence and contemplation.
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