The two principles of truth, reason and senses, are not only both not genuine, but are engaged in mutual deception. The senses deceive reason through false appearances, and the senses are disturbed by passions, which produce false impressions.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Reason and senses are both unreliable and deceive each other; senses are distorted by passions, creating false impressions.
- In plain terms
- Both reason and senses can mislead, especially when passions distort them.
- What can you take from it?
- Beware of letting emotions cloud judgment.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How can we separate passion from perception?
- When is intuition trustworthy?
Another view
Reason and senses also provide essential, reliable information when used correctly.
More from Blaise Pascal
Le nez de Cleopatre, s'il eut ete plus court, toute la face de la terre aurait change.
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