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)
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The quote describes a cycle of boasting and belittling, ending in a paradoxical monster that never comprehends itself.
- In plain terms
- Boasting and belittling create a self‑confusing monster.
- What can you take from it?
- Avoid the trap of constant ego inflation and devaluation.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How does the cycle of pride affect relationships?
- What breaks the pattern of self‑contradiction?
Another view
Some people may use boasting constructively, not just destructively.
More from Blaise Pascal
I cannot imagine a man without thought; he would be a stone or an animal. (339)
Permalink to quote #23 If our condition were truly happy we should not need to divert ourselves from thinking about it. (170)
Permalink to quote #25 How hollow is the heart of man, and how full of excrement! (143)
Permalink to quote #22
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