For after all what is man in nature? A nothing in relation to infinity, all in relation to nothing, a central point between nothing and all and infinitely far from understanding either. (72)
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The quote portrays humanity as insignificant compared to infinity, positioned between nothing and everything, far from true understanding.
- In plain terms
- Humans are tiny, caught between nothing and everything, lacking true understanding.
- What can you take from it?
- Recognize our limited perspective in the vast cosmos.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How does recognizing our smallness affect our actions?
- What can we learn from our limited knowledge?
Another view
Human achievement can still be meaningful despite cosmic insignificance.
More from Blaise Pascal
Peu d'amities subsisteraient, si chacun savait ce que son ami dit de lui lorsqu'il n'y est pas. (100)
Permalink to quote #17 For knowledge of the first principles, like space, time, motion, number, is as solid as any derived through reason, and it is on such knowledge, coming from th…
Permalink to quote #19 Equality of possessions is no doubt right, but, as men could not make might obey right, they have made right obey might. (299)
Permalink to quote #16
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