Man is only a reed, the weakest in nature; but he is a thinking reed. There is no need for the whole universe to take up arms to crush him: a vapor, a drop of water is enough to kill him. But even if the universe were to crush him, man would still be nobler than his slayer, because he knows that he is dying and the advantage the universe has over him. The universe knows nothing of this.

Summary

This quote, often attributed to French philosopher Blaise Pascal, highlights the vulnerability and fragility of human beings compared to the vastness of the universe. While man may be weak and easily destructible, what sets him apart is his ability to think and reason. Even though the universe, represented by elements like vapor or water, can cause his demise, man's awareness of his mortality makes him superior. The universe, lacking consciousness, is oblivious to the advantage it holds. In essence, man's existential awareness grants him a greater sense of nobility despite his vulnerability in the face of immense cosmic forces.

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