Imagination cannot make fools wise, but it makes them happy, as against reason, which only makes its friends wretched: one covers them with glory, the other with shame. (82)
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Imagination can make fools feel happy, while reason may only bring sorrow to its friends; imagination offers glory, reason brings shame.
- In plain terms
- Imagination comforts fools, reason can cause pain.
- What can you take from it?
- Balance imagination with reason to avoid undue suffering.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When does imagination become harmful?
- How can reason be softened?
Another view
Imagination alone may lead to delusion.
More from Blaise Pascal
If we look at our work immediately after completing it, we are still too involved; if too long afterwards, we cannot pick up the thread again. (381)
Permalink to quote #26 It is a funny sort of justice whose limits are marked by a river; true on this side of the Pyrenees, false on the other. (294)
Permalink to quote #28 If our condition were truly happy we should not need to divert ourselves from thinking about it. (170)
Permalink to quote #25
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