Quote by Blaise Pascal, Pens

Man is but a reed, the most feeble thing in nature; but he is a thinking reed. The entire universe need not arm itself to crush him. A vapour, a drop of water suffices to kill him. But, if the Universe were to crush him, man would still be more noble than that which killed him, because he knows that he dies and the advantage which the universe has over him; the universe knows nothing of this.

Man is but a reed, the most feeble thing in nature; but he i

Summary

This quote, attributed to French philosopher Blaise Pascal, reflects on the vulnerability and superiority of humankind in relation to the universe. It suggests that humans are fragile beings, as even something as transient as a single drop of water can end their lives. However, what sets humanity apart is our capacity for thought and self-awareness. Despite our weaknesses and the overwhelming power the universe possesses, humans are elevated because we understand our own mortality and possess knowledge that surpasses the very forces that can destroy us.

Topics

Man Mankind

By Blaise Pascal, Pens

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