Quote by Blaise Pascal

The greatness of man is great in that he knows himself to be miserable. A tree does not know itself to be miserable. It is then being miserable to know oneself to be miserable; but it is also being great to know that one is miserable.

The greatness of man is great in that he knows himself to be

Summary

This quote by French philosopher Blaise Pascal reflects on the human condition. Pascal suggests that the greatness of human beings lies in their self-awareness of their own misery. Unlike a tree that is oblivious to its own circumstances, humans possess the capacity to recognize and acknowledge their suffering. While this self-awareness may cause distress, Pascal argues that it is also a sign of greatness, as it demonstrates a level of introspection and understanding that separates humans from the rest of the natural world.

Topics

Man Greatness

By Blaise Pascal

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