Quote by Blaise Pascal

And if one loves me for my judgement, memory, he does not love , for I can lose these qualities without losing myself. Where, then, is this Ego, if it be neither in the body nor in the soul? And how love the body or the soul, except for these qualities which do not constitute , since they are perishable? For it is impossible and would be unjust to love the soul of a person in the abstract and whatever qualities might be therein. We never, then, love a person, but only qualities. Let us, then, jeer no more at those who are honoured on account of rank and office; for we love a person only on account of borrowed qualities.

And if one loves me for my judgement, memory, he does not lo

Summary

This quote, attributed to French philosopher and mathematician Blaise Pascal, explores the nature of love and the concept of the self. It suggests that if someone loves us for our abilities and attributes, such as judgement and memory, they do not truly love us, as these qualities are subject to change or loss. It questions the existence of the ego, and how love can be directed towards the body or soul if it is not rooted in these perishable qualities. It ultimately argues that we do not love a person as a whole, but rather specific qualities or attributes they possess.

Topics

Philosophy

By Blaise Pascal

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