All men seek happiness. This is without exception. Whatever different means they employ, they all tend to this end.
 Blaise Pascal, Pensées (1670). copy citation

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Author Blaise Pascal
Source Pensées
Topic happiness way aim
Date 1670
Language English
Reference
Note Translated by W. F. Trotter
Weblink http://www.gutenberg.org/files/18269/18269-h/18269-h.htm

Context

“All these contradictions, which seem most to keep me from the knowledge of religion, have led me most quickly to the true one. [Pg 113] SECTION VII MORALITY AND DOCTRINE 425 Second part.—That man without faith cannot know the true good, nor justice. All men seek happiness. This is without exception. Whatever different means they employ, they all tend to this end.[ 159] The cause of some going to war, and of others avoiding it, is the same desire in both, attended with different views. The will never takes the least step but to this object. This is the motive of every action of every man, even of those who hang themselves.” source
Original quote

Meaning and analysis

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