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About this quote

What does it mean?
Holy water, Mass, and similar rituals dull critical intellect and make one more credulous.
In plain terms
Religious rites can soften critical thinking.
What can you take from it?
Rituals may reduce skepticism.

Where it applies

  • faith practice
  • spiritual routine

Putting it to work

  • reflect on ritual purpose
  • balance faith with reason

Questions to consider

  • Do rituals always suppress doubt?
  • How can faith and critique coexist?

Another view

Many find rituals deepen, not dull, their intellect.

More from Blaise Pascal

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  3. An advocate who has been well paid in advance will find the cause he is pleading all the more just. (82)

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