“ Few men speak humbly of humility, chastely of chastity, few doubtingly of scepticism. ”
Blaise Pascal, Pensées (1670). copy citation
| Author | Blaise Pascal |
|---|---|
| Source | Pensées |
| Topic | speech humility |
| Date | 1670 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | Translated by W. F. Trotter |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/18269/18269-h/18269-h.htm |
Context
“This sect derives more strength from its enemies than from its friends; for the weakness of man is far more evident in those who know it not than in those who know it. 377 Discourses on humility are a source of pride in the vain, and of humility in the humble. So those on scepticism cause believers to affirm. Few men speak humbly of humility, chastely of chastity, few doubtingly of scepticism. We are only falsehood, duplicity, contradiction; we both conceal and disguise ourselves from ourselves.
378 Scepticism.—Excess, like defect of intellect, is accused of madness. Nothing is good but mediocrity.” source
378 Scepticism.—Excess, like defect of intellect, is accused of madness. Nothing is good but mediocrity.” source
Meaning and analysis
