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About this quote

What does it mean?
He claims that true wisdom brings us back to a childlike state of openness and wonder.
In plain terms
Wisdom restores a childlike perspective.
What can you take from it?
Embrace curiosity and humility as signs of wisdom.

Where it applies

  • learning new skills
  • spiritual practice

Putting it to work

  • cultivating curiosity
  • letting go of ego

Questions to consider

  • What aspects of childhood are essential to wisdom?
  • Can adult experience coexist with childlike wonder?

Another view

Not all childlike traits are beneficial; some naiveté can be harmful.

More from Blaise Pascal

  1. Why are you killing me for your own benefit? I am unarmed.' 'Why, do you not live on the other side of the water? My friend, if you lived on this side, I shoul…

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  2. You must wager; it is not optional... Let us weigh the gain and the loss in wagering that God exists... If you gain, you gain all; if you lose, you lose nothin…

    Permalink to quote #70
  3. Qui sait si cette autre moitie de la vie ou nous pensons veiller n'est pas un autre sommeil un peu different du premier.

    Permalink to quote #67

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