I cannot imagine a man without thought; he would be a stone or an animal. (339)
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The quote claims thought is essential to humanity; without it, a person would be no more than a stone or animal.
- In plain terms
- Thought defines humanity; without it we’re just objects or beasts.
- What can you take from it?
- Value and develop reflective thinking.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What distinguishes human thought from animal cognition?
- How can we nurture thoughtfulness?
Another view
Animals also exhibit forms of thought; the line is not absolute.
More from Blaise Pascal
How hollow is the heart of man, and how full of excrement! (143)
Permalink to quote #22 S'il se vante, je l'abaisse, S'il s'abaisse, je le vante; Et le contredis toujours, Jusqu'a ce qu'il comprenne Qu'il est un monstre incomprehensible. (420)
Permalink to quote #24 Dieu est une sphere infinie, dont le centre est partout et la circonference nulle part. (72)
Permalink to quote #21
Related quotes
Thought constitutes the greatness of man.
Blaise PascalBlaise Pascal quote #57 What, I believe, produces in me the deep feeling, in which I live, of incongruity with others, is that most think with sensitivity, while I feel with thought.
Fernando PessoaFernando Pessoa quote #61 'Once the last trace of emotion has been eradicated, nothing remains of thought but absolute tautology.'
Theodor AdornoTheodor Adorno quote #67